Urgent Care :: Hey! Help please

[Illini]

A few months ago we bought 2 red-ear sliders. One turtle has grown and at least doubled in size while the other has stayed the same size. He's usually basking in the light, never swims, and doesn't eat. We feed them both protien pellets each day. His shell is thin and papery, he's lethargic, and we haven't been able to get answers as to why one turtle is thriving while the other seems to be almost suffering.

Is there any way we can help this poor turtle?

[nfnsprite]

Is the little turtle refusing to eat? Or is the bigger, healthier turtle beating him to all the food?

[STRAYKINGFISHER]

Try feeding the little one in a separate container and make sure the water temp. is around 80 deg. so that his appetite will improve.

[marisa]

Has he behaved this way since you got him? If so, he could have been ill when you got him (it can take a while for symptoms to develop). Does he have any other symptoms (like open-mouth breathing, bubbles/mucus from the nose or mouth especially when out of the water, swollen eyes, wheezing)? If so, he probably has a respiratory infection or the start of one.

I'd separate him from the one that's thriving and give him his own set-up with warmer temps--water 80-81F, basking area around 90-92F. If he's weak, I wouldn't have the water very deep (just a little more than the width of the shell). Keep him out of drafts (is he in a room with AC?) Try to tempt him with some smelly foods--bits of water-packed tuna, sardines, hard-boiled egg whites, etc.).

About the shell--do the turts have a UVB light (this is flourescent and doesn't give off heat). What has their diet been like?

If you make changes, and he doesn't start responding, I'd take him to a herp vet for treatment. Good luck. Let us know what happens.