Why is my turtle sneezing so much?
Sneezing is a sign of a respiratory infection afflicting your map turtle, although it can also be related to vitamin A deficiency (hypovitaminosis A). If your map turtle is mouth-breathing, stretching its neck out to breathe or gaping its mouth, those are all signs of a respiratory infection.
What to do if your turtle is sneezing?
If your pet turtle or tortoise sneezes or coughs several times in a 24hr period and demonstrates other unusual behaviours, then you should book an appointment at your reptile vet immediately! It could be the sign of an URTD. Other common symptoms of an URTD include: Lethargy (sluggishness)
Can red eared sliders get too cold?
Like most other reptiles, red eared sliders can not endure a cold temperature. Experts suggest maintaining a temperature of about 72 to 76 degrees Fahrenheit in the captivity. If the temperature drops by even a single degree, the habitat environment becomes cold for the red eared slider.
Why is my red eared slider sneezing?
Sneezing is often associated with water or infection in the sinus cavities. If it is water, it should abate after a few minutes. If it does not clear up very soon or is persistent, a veterinary visit is needed as antibiotics need to be prescribed.
What do you need to know about red ear sliders?
Finally, red-eared sliders are reptiles, so you will also need to provide them with basking lights, and possibly water heaters, to keep them warm. For many slider keepers, setting up your slider’s housing is one of the most satisfying, and creative, aspects of being a turtle owner.
What should I do with my red eared slider turtle?
In general, it’s best to respect your turtle’s space and simply watch it rather than handling it. Setting up appropriate housing for a red-eared slider turtle is not cheap, so be prepared to spend a couple hundred dollars on a proper habitat.
Why does a red ear slider turtle make a hissing noise?
Although, there have been many reports from red-eared slider owners that they often get hissing sounds, but, the fact is, the sounds do not come from their mouth. Turtles do not make noises. Such sounds might often be emitted from the turtles while expelling air from their lungs so that they are able to retreat into their shells.
How long does a red ear slider turtle stay inactive?
‘Brumation’ is the phase during which these creatures stay inactive for 1 to 8 months at a stretch (depending upon climatic factors, its health and size) under water without much activity and often with less or no food (“state of sopor”). However, they do need to drink water during this stage.
How can I tell how old my red eared sliders are?
After age 2, the turtle will become increasingly darker until his tell-tale red “ears” seem to disappear and his shell turns a brownish or ochre shade. Measure the diameter of your turtle’s carapace edge-to-edge. When your animal was hatched, his shell may have been no bigger than your thumbnail.
How long do red eared sliders live in captivity?
These animals are long-term companions, as well-kept turtles can live in captivity for up to 50 years. That said, it can be difficult to determine the age of your slider if you don’t know when he hatched.
How old do you have to be to care for a red ear slider turtle?
Warnings Red-eared sliders should not be cared for by any child 10 years old and under, without a parent helping at all times. It is too risky for your child, as well as your turtle. Lift your slider only when necessary. When lifting, place the slider onto your hand so that it won’t be frightened.
What kind of filter do you need for red ear slider turtles?
Under-gravel filter: This needs a large surface area. It’s only useful where you have one or two turtles. If it’s air pump powered, it will only be useful for small turtles or hatchlings. Use a powerhead if using the filter with turtles older than hatchlings.
