Feeding and Nutrition :: Sugg for Temporary Solution on eating?

[Royel]

My red eared slider is moderately small (less than two inches long).

She's been living with us for two years and I just found out that she needed a UVB emitting light. Prior before finding this out she's been living in an extremely small tank before upgrading to a much bigger one (approx 28 in. by 12 in. by 6 in.). She has stopped eating as soon as winter hit and I was wondering if she had Metabolic Bone Disease. Her shell doesn't feel soft, but I'm unsure of the other symptoms/causes.

Right now I don't have the lights or area for her to bask but I plan to get one as soon as possible. For now though, is there any way right now to get her to eat? She hasn't eaten for over a week. I tried putting warmer water (tried many times with temps varying from 60 F to 90 F) but she still seems to feel very uncomfortable and tries to get out a lot. I put the food very close to her mouth and try to give her some privacy but still no luck.

Thanks for your time and help in advance!

[bradmeisel]

it sounds like your tank needs alot. Please answer the questions, but it sounds like you need a water heater, basking area and uvb bulb ASAP. Has the turtle ever had a place to bask?
If you feel the need to post a topic in this, the Urgent Care forum, then you must be aware that your turtle may need qualified veterinary care. Advice may be offered here, but you are solely responsible for the appropriate care of any animal you have. You should familiarize yourself with a local herp veterinarian, click here if you need help locating one. If you have another turtle with your sick/injured one, then you should separate them immediately. This will prevent potential injuries and the spreading of any contagious disease or infection.

Most topics are missing key information that is often asked afterwards. In addition to your own question(s), please copy and paste the questions below when you start a new topic. Please answer the questions to the best of your ability.
----------------------------------------------------------------------------
How big is your turtle?
How long have you had it?

What is the water temperature?
Did you use a thermometer?
Are you using a water heater?
How much water is in there?
Are you using a water conditioner?
Are you using any filtration?

What is the basking temperature?
Is there a basking light?
Is there a basking platform that is easy to climb on?
What kind is it or what is it made out of?
Is there a UVB light?

What have you been trying to feed it?
When was the last time your turtle ate?

How big is the tank/pond/enclosure?
Is the tank near a window?
Is the tank in a room with a lot of activity?

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

Is there any other unusual activity/symptoms?

[Royel]

Okay, today I purchased a bigger tank, a water heater, and a UVA Bulb (doesn't mention UVB on the box, but there's another UVB bulb arriving in a week).

Here's my current setup:
http://www.flickr.com/photos/royel/4261132510/

She doesn't seem to want to bask in the warm light even though I placed it about 10" above the platform.

This is probably the first time in 2 years that she's ever had the option to bask. Also, she almost ate today, taking a small bite out of the Nutrafin pellet she usually enjoys in warmer weathers. Perhaps she need more time to adjust to the new tank.

Is there anything else wrong with my tank? The flickr photo has the items labeled.

I guess since this now became a habitat question, it belongs in that forum.

[Kemul]

Suggestions:

1. If those are gravels at the bottom of the tank, get rid of them. They're
dangerous if the turtle swallows them.

2. If you can raise the lamp, you can raise the water level and the turtle will
appreciate the swimming room. Just make sure the turtle can reach the basking
dock easily to get some rest.

3. You might want to get a thermometer to get temperature readings of the water
and basking area. Water should be around 75°F and basking area around 10°F
above that.

Well, you can search the forum for more suggestions and ideas.