Other Turtle Discussion

Getting mixed advice. Some are saying basking temp should be at 78-80 others are saying 88-90. Going to turn the temp up to see if he improves. Starting to worry about him sleeping all the time...

Started waking up and moving around almost immediately. Have the basking temp at 88 now. Even opened his eyes for the camera~

He also has a young mother, so it's understandable that he's on the small side. Is he actually basking or is that just the air temperature? It should be fine in the low 80's.

That's the air temp. He seems to want to hide from the light so I folded the paper towel over him. Also, the temp has been a steady 84 since yesterday/last night. Like I said before, I use the dropper to moisten him and the paper towel. He pushes his head into the paper towel and scratches a little when I do this. Think he wants to drink or swim, but his sack is still there and according to the articles I have read they can't be submerged until that has closed. Says it is fatal if water gets inside the turtle from there.

I have also been replacing the paper towel every day with a fresh one soaked in conditioned water. Don't want him or his sack getting dirty or infected. Also, I look for any insects that may be attracted to him. Haven't had a problem with that thankfully.

Sounds like you're doing well. Came across this bit:

On hatching the baby turtles will usually still have a small yolk sac which will provide nutrition for the first few days of life. Normally this yolk sac will rapidly be absorbed, and a small scar will be visible. If a large yolk sac persists, try to suspend the baby and wrap the baby with a damp piece of gauze in order to prevent dessication of the yolk material prematurely, and to prevent the baby turtle from traumatizing the umbilical area. It is possible for the baby to accidentally pull its intestines out if care is not taken to safeguard the sac.

from http://www.gctts.org/node/84

Not too mobile today and hasn't opened his eyes. Starting to think he might have an eye infection due to the possible vitamin deficiency or the exposure to our apartment air. Or a combination of both. Although chances look slim, I am going to continue to watch over him and care for him as much as I can. I don't handle him to much, just to move him to the new bedding.

I can see from the side angle that the yolk sack is still protruding. I am hoping he's not having trouble absorbing that too. Usually only takes a couple of days, but he might just need more time.

Besides the research I am doing constantly, I am mostly shooting blind. I can only hope that with the right conditions I will end up with a healthy RES.

Thank you, that seems like a great idea. Hopefully his movements haven't been delaying the process...

Ordered some eye drops. Should arrive in a couple of days. Went to Petsmart and they didn't have any. They closed the herp shop I used to go to all the time and Petco is on the other side of town, but with passed experience there, they probably didn't have it either... He's not looking too good. I do believe he has an infection, but besides the puffy, closed eyes he looks normal. No drainage or anything, so I don't think it is RI.

Been checking on him every couple of hours. He moves his tail every once and a while and lifts his head when he hears a loud noise. Bought some purified water, using that instead. Think there might be too much other matter in our tap water, even with the conditioner. :/

He didn't make it... I wish I had better news...

I'm sorry to hear it

I feel horrible... Everything happened so quickly... I think I'm just used to my babies being so healthy. Even when John started to develop some shell rot, I immediately started treating him and his new shell is already growing back.

RIP my little guy...

Posted: Thu May 24, 2012 2:15 pm **She's got more buns in the oven... :p**

It never ends... She is full again! On to her 6th clutch since February...

I really hope this is her last. My fault completely... I made a nest out of his tank hoping she would take to laying in it, but she hated it. Ended up going to my aunts and having he lay them in the back yard. Last time there were ants found in the nest the next day. She has treated her yard, but not sure it the ants are gone. The nest was a last resort, but I also need to separate this odd couple... So frustrated. Mostly with myself... Going to give her some time in the nest tank and will check on my aunts backyard in the mean time to see if it is safe for her to walk around and dig there. Not going to expose her to those evil little... Anyway, this situation has been unusual from the start. Anyone know of RES turtles producing more than the average 3-5 clutches a season? I had noticed that the last one wasn't small like the first couple. So if she has less this time, could I assume she is finishing her cycle? Also, the clutches has been about 2 or 3 weeks apart and symptoms would start a few days before she was able to lay them.

Clutches so far:
1st - 9 (3 were pearl size, 3 were smallish, and 3 were average egg size) (all fertile)
2nd - 6 (1 was smaller than the others) (half fertile)
3rd - 7 (all the same except 2 were longer than the others) (all infertile)
4th - 8 (all the same except 3 were longer than the others) (all fertile)
5th - 9 (all the same size) (all fertile)
6th - Will find out soon...

Any advice would be appreciated.

crazy... she's got some good ovaries in there. :shock:

have you tried talking to a veterinarian? maybe they could stop the egg laying.
spay,neuter-type thing.

Other Turtle Discussion :: RES Turtle Nesting: What am I doing wrong?

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