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Eyes r closed. Rubbing them with feet. Not eating enough.

PostPosted: Fri Sep 13, 2013 4:48 pm
by mainapb
How big is your turtle? 3 inches approximately
How long have you had it? 4 days

What is the water temperature? Don't know. The room temperature is around 32 C
Did you use a thermometer? No
Are you using a water heater? No
How much water is in there? 10 gallon tank. Half filled.
Are you using a water conditioner? No
Are you using any filtration? No

What is the basking temperature? Don't know
Is there a basking light? A CFL
Is there a basking platform that is easy to climb on? Yes
What kind is it or what is it made out of? A Reptology Turtle-pier
Is there a UVB light? No (Planning to get one)

What have you been trying to feed it? Shrimps and Sticks
When was the last time your turtle ate? Took a few bites today. But didn't finish it all.

How big is the tank/pond/enclosure? 10 gallons (Will get a bigger one once it grows)
Is the tank near a window? No
Is the tank in a room with a lot of activity? No

Have you read the Basic Care section? Yes
Have you searched the forums for similar situations? Yes

Is there any other unusual activity/symptoms? Been lying on the pier most of the time. The webbing between his fingers are a bit whitish and the top of the shell has a few white spots.

All these symptoms have been persisting since yesterday.

This is the first time I'm keeping an RES for a pet. Detailed guidance will be much appreciated.

Re: Eyes r closed. Rubbing them with feet. Not eating enough

PostPosted: Fri Sep 13, 2013 9:20 pm
by dumbork14
Hello. And welcome to the forum. Do you have a herp vet nearby? It might have been sick even before you bought him. Where did you get him? RES are quick to hide their symptoms. The white on his fingers might have been skin fungus. The white on his shell might have been shell fungus or hard mineral deposits. Can you post a picture?

Re: Eyes r closed. Rubbing them with feet. Not eating enough

PostPosted: Sat Sep 14, 2013 1:58 pm
by steve
A CFL is not a basking light, I'd replace it with a halogen or incandescent bulb for now.

There are usually 3 suspects with closed eyes... bad UVB/lighting (placement, phosphors), lack of vitamins, or irritation (chlorine/chloramines).

Re: Eyes r closed. Rubbing them with feet. Not eating enough

PostPosted: Thu Sep 19, 2013 2:01 am
by mainapb
Sorry for the late response.

He seems to be fine now. Eye are wide open. And he is eating properly. But the white spots are still there. Will upload a picture today later.

I'll change the basking light too with an incandescent bulb.

Thanks for the tips. It is much appreciated.

Re: Eyes r closed. Rubbing them with feet. Not eating enough

PostPosted: Thu Sep 19, 2013 8:43 am
by steve
Don't forget the UVB. There are a few compact versions you can use.