Hi There,
I have a Northern Diamondback Terrapin turtle that has been acting just fine up until our water change today. We did a half water change on his tank and he seems sluggish and he is continuously opening his mouth under water. I took him out and he let me hold him (this is rare as he usually wants to run around) and was sitting on my lap with his mouth gapped open. I moved him into a half filled 10 gallon tank for the night because I was unsure if he was swimming well enough to be in a 40 gallon. My husband thinks that he is fine but I am unsure about the mouth being open. His breathing seems fine but I have to admit that I have never watched him breathe before. I think that he is just acting weird and sluggish. I am probably going to make him a vet appointment for tomorrow. Thanks for your help and advice.
See Picture Of Weird Behavior: https://ibb.co/dJB6n5
Size of Turtle: https://ibb.co/gDV7S5
How big is your turtle? Roughly 8"
How long have you had it? Our turtle has a dad that is in the army so we took him in when he was deployed. We have had him for about 2 years with no trouble. I think his dad had him for about a year.
What is the water temperature? 82 degrees currently (when his heat lamp just went off for the night)
Did you use a thermometer? Yes
Are you using a water heater? Yes
How much water is in there? He has 40 gallon tank.
Are you using a water conditioner? Yes
Are you using any filtration? He has two filters
What is the basking temperature? I am not sure. He has a 100 watt basking lamp
Is there a basking light? Yes
Is there a basking platform that is easy to climb on? Yes he has a log in the water that floats with the water height.
What kind is it or what is it made out of? I am not sure I think it is hardened foam
Is there a UVB light? yes there is
What have you been trying to feed it? Dried shrimp and pellets
When was the last time your turtle ate? yesterday
How big is the tank/pond/enclosure? He has a 40 gallon tank
Is the tank near a window? No
Is the tank in a room with a lot of activity? Yes he has a lot of space to swim
Have you read the Basic Care section? Yes
Have you searched the forums for similar situations? Yes
Is there any other unusual activity/symptoms? My turtle usually can swim with no trouble and rarely leaves the water by choice. He seems to be not swimming as quickly or with as much ease as usual.