How big is your turtle? Maybe 3 inches
How long have you had it? 9 days
What is the water temperature?78 degrees
Did you use a thermometer?yes
Are you using a water heater?not yet
How much water is in there? 5 inches
Are you using a water conditioner?yes
Are you using any filtration?yes
What is the basking temperature? Reads between 80-90
Is there a basking light? Yes
Is there a basking platform that is easy to climb on?yes
What kind is it or what is it made out of?came with kit
Is there a UVB light? Not yet
What have you been trying to feed it? Shrimp treat and turtle food sticks
When was the last time your turtle ate? Noon today
How big is the tank/pond/enclosure? 10 gallons
Is the tank near a window? Yes
Is the tank in a room with a lot of activity? Near one but not in
Have you read the Basic Care section? Yes
Have you searched the forums for similar situations? Yes
Is there any other unusual activity/symptoms? He (?) Avery had a red spot on back of neck when brought him home. Got puffy and white, now not as puffy and brownish. Eyes seem puffy and he is basking a LOT. Let me say we know NOTHING about turtles and have been researching like crazy since we got him and made a panic run to Walmart to try to get what he needs. And that was an accident. The kids wanted to win the giant Minion doll. But we're trying. We live very rural and the vets here deal with cows and hogs, not turtles. One said he doesn know much about them, but is willing to try and take a look. I've already told the kids these little guys from the carnivals don't usually make it, but I don't want the poor thing to die because I'm ignorant. A uv lamp is on the was.but won't be here until Tuesday. The carnie told them to use distilled water, so we have been. Changed once (yesterda since got him and to be honest, that's when I thought he started looking off. I can't tell if when we're by tank if he's not moving while basking because he doesn't feel good or because he's trying to "play dead" to get away from danger. We washed the tank, platform, gravel, and climbing rocks and hiding log with a gallon of distilled waters before we filled it and put him in. No soap. When I changed the water I dipped about half our and added a gallon of distilled water. He gets fed one stick morning and night and one shrimp stick at lunch time. A couple of times there is a stick floating when I go to bed, but always gone in morning. Have been turning light off at bedtime so he gets night until I get the heat bulb that's not a light and is coming with the uv light.House is 70 degrees. Do I have a couple days to try to get the light and see if the uv helps? If the vet admits he doesn't really know turtles, should I take him anyway? Are there eye drops or something I can order and do at home? The only vet that "might" know more is an hour and half away....one way. And i know he'll need a bigger tanks eventually but one thing at a time. Sorry,I know this is long. Like I said,we're trying.
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