- She's a beautiful African Sideneck Turtle
- She's grossly overweight and bloated, and has food floating everywhere in her tank (clogged in the filters, forming piles on the bottom and in the corners at the top of the water)
- Said tank is probably only ~15 gallons in dimension, with only about a third of it filled with grimy water... maybe 5-6 inches high
- No heater appears to be present, although the water is probably heated before being pumped into the tank (I hope)
- I confirmed with the employee - for the whole time they've had this girl they didn't have UVB bulbs in the aquarium! They are putting UVA/UVB/Heat lamps in now.
- (See above) She's not eating now, and is incredibly despondent. Apparently many of the guests have mistaken her for having passed away already, as she hardly moves now.
- She has a dark blotch on the top of her head, and likely some shell rot as well.
Any advice would be appreciated. Again, this turtle is located in Plymouth, Minnesota. If anyone is in the area, or knows anyone in the area, I would be happy to purchase her on your/their behalf and deliver her if it means better care.
Also, if you care for a Sideneck yourself, let me know if you have any tips on keeping them, on the off-chance that my wife and I decide to get her. I have a Western Painted Turtle at present, so that is my only frame of reference turtle-wise. I understand this girl would need her own tank.
Here is a picture of her:
I live right near this store, and so I am in all the time visiting the kitties with my wife. I will post any updates if I have them.
Thank you,