Turtle talk (2)
4. This probably means your water is too cool or dirty although a lot of time basking and sleeping is normal for all reptiles.
Note A:
Eye infections worry me. They can be caused by a couple things, most commonly dietary problems and/or dirty water. Whenever I hear about an eye infection, I usually find that there are some problems with the basic cares.
Please go to a good site, like http://www.redearslider.com and review their suggestions and see how it compares to your cares.
For example.
- Does your cage offer about 10 gallons of swimming space per inch of turtle? With 3 babys, you'd need at least 30 gallons fo water- which would mean a partially filled 50 gallon tank or a nice big tub. Space is a key element in raising healthy, happy turtles.
- Is the water heated to about 75-80?
- Is the basking site heated to about 90?
- Are the temperatures monitored with thermometers?
- Is the water sparklingly clean, no 'turtle tank' odor?
- Does the lighting simulate daylight in intensity, duration, and in offering UV light? (There are many ways to accomplish this!)
- Are they each getting their fair share of food, no fighting, stealing, or bullying?
- Are they fed daily an amount about the size of their head with extra food removed after about 30 minutes?
- Is the food a well-balanced aquatic turtle food with a calcium/phosphorus ratio about 1 to 1, and offers several vitamins and minerals, including B13?