General Care Discussion

My dog was diagnosed with hookworms yesterday, and I wonder if I should worry about my RES. Yertle is 3 1/2 years old, healthy, all is well as far as I know, but I'm a first time turtle owner and could miss a symptom. Can he get hookworms? What do I watch for? It's 150 miles to a vet that will even look at him, so checking a stool sample is not an option.

Also, what about Rubbermaid stock water tanks for a home for him? I can't find anything else that's big enough that he can see thru. (He doesn't people watch, he dog-watches. How would you do that from in there!? ) Any better ideas for a home? He's in a BIG glass tank now but needs more space to play, and larger glass tanks are taller, not deeper from front to back. Having a tank made, maybe? What about a plexi-glass one? Would scratches create a place for bacterial growth? Are Rubbermaid treated with any chemicals that could be harmful? (Anti-bacterials, etc.) Is plexiglass?

Help? Please tell me someone out there knows more than me!

Thanks!! and keep it up with this site. It's awesome!!

http://www.redearslider.com/index_habitat.html

that link will take you to the habitat area of the site and you can check that out. plastic tubs are mentioned.

as for the worms, I have no clue.

rubbermaid tubs are fine. stock tanks are fine. glass and acrylic aquariums are fine. No problems with any of these materials.

plexiglass is a brand name of sheet acrylic. all suitable for use as a turtle tank.

I don't think you have anything to worry about. Not sure though just never heard of anyone mention such a problem. Why don't you try calling the vet?

I looked at the site for stuff about Habitat--great! I'm guessing that galvinized stock tanks would be a bad idea---don't they release some sort of chemical when they've been wet for a period of time? We've narrowed it down to 100 gallon glass or Rubbermaid 100 gallon oval. Wish Rubbermaid made a clear plastic....Glass is heavier and costs more, plastic will be harder to buy/make a 'top floor' for so he can have a grass and basking area.

I can't get a vet who will even talk to me on the phone about a turtle. There seems to be a "Go to the nearest farm pond and get another one--they're all alike...." attitude. Not a lot of help! Still trying, tho.

Where are you from? There's a list of turtle vets by area on this forum.

Galvanized won't release any chemical into the water. Galvanized WILL release zinc fumes if heated/melted with a torch (which you're not going to do).

Here are some pics of a galvanized tank: viewtopic.php?f=7&t=29944

I'm in Oklahoma--the local vets are more interested in cows ($$) and think RES are target practice.

( I will search for the vet list as soon as I finish here--thanks! And thanks for the tip on the galvanized tank--I was wrong! A large enclosed basking area on top of it so he can people and dog-watch will keep him warm and protected from harm. This looks like something I need to investigate. Off to the local farm/ranch supply....

viewtopic.php?f=4&t=370

Bless you!! I grew up before computers--they still mystify me at times and I get lost!

Thanks!! there's one in Stillwater--not as far as all that, and he lists a phone number. Hooray!!

Glad that you found one. Let us know how your turtle does.

General Care Discussion :: Are hookworms contagious and rubbermaid tubs

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