Posted: Sun Nov 22, 2020 2:07 pm Suprise New Owner! Shell Condition Advice
I live in the UK where RES are an invasive species. My dad rescued a large female slider from his garden and has kept her for a few years but he recently passed unexpectedly. Due to laws surrounding RES I decided to take her in to prevent euthanasia as she cannot be rehomed. because my Dad passed suddenly I never got a chance to find out how to care for her from him and instead have been doing extensive research online but the thing which worries me is her shell it seems damaged with possibly some shell rot?? (there is also damage underneath but I will need to get help of someone to hold her so I can take Photos) I have attached photos of her shell and tank, sorry about my camera quality.
Please give me any help and advice for this and also for a new Terrapin owner, I don't have experience but I am willing to learn and give her the best life I can
How big is your turtle? shell = 19cm long 18cm wide
How long have you had it? about a month
What is the water temperature? 22*c
Did you use a thermometer? yes a digital one and the heater has one
Are you using a water heater? yes
How much water is in there? 150L of water in a 180L tank
Are you using a water conditioner? yes its a type of pondsafe
Are you using any filtration? yes an external filter with 3 chambers which circulates 1000L an hour
What is the basking temperature? 20*c
Is there a basking light? Yes, its a swap splash resistance bulb, 75w
Is there a basking platform that is easy to climb on? There is a platform and she can climb on but due to her weight water floods it a bit, currently waiting on the postal system so i can rectify this issue and create an easy access and dry basking area
What kind is it or what is it made out of? its a large floating platform which is suckered to the bottom of her tank, its made from an aquarium safe plastic
Is there a UVB light? the bulb is UVB
What have you been trying to feed it? She has an adult terrapin pellet mix and the occasional live crickets as a treat, she isn't keen on vegetables but i am going to keep trying different recommended veggies
When was the last time your turtle ate? she eats every other day and always seems hungry
How big is the tank/pond/enclosure? the tank is 180L and is 1m long and 40cm wide
Is the tank near a window? yes, shes in the conservatory
Is the tank in a room with a lot of activity? theres a bit of activity but she is mostly left alone unless being fed, she seems confident and is happy to bask and nap out fo the water even when we are in the conservatory with her
Have you read the Basic Care section? yes and i am planning to make a few adjustments
Have you searched the forums for similar situations? yes
Is there any other unusual activity/symptoms? as far as i can tell she is active and eating but I have never owned a reptile before
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