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Re: Softshell turtle in rescue - isn't eating


[ Follow Ups ] [ Post Followup ] [ The Softshell Turtle Forum ]

Posted by vareptilerescue on December 27, 2002 at 21:33:47:

In Reply to: Re: Softshell turtle in rescue - isn't eating posted by honuman on December 23, 2002 at 17:43:37:

::Hi,

::This softshell turtle I have in rescue isn't eating. I've tried live fish, worms, bugs, and turtle sticks. I have yet to see it eat anything! This is a new species for me, so I'm worried that something isn't set up right. At the moment he's in a rubbermaid type box, about 15" square and 6" deep. He's got a lamp for heat, and an underwater hiding area (which he spends most of his time in). He can use that to bask, if he wants, but he doesn't.

::Any suggestions? I want to keep him healthy until I find someone to adopt him. Haven't had anyone interested yet, but I'm sure I'll find someone soon.

::Thanks for any suggestions,

::Bonnie Keller
::VA Reptile Rescue

:Hi Bonnie --

:What is the history of the turtle? From a food market or someone's unwanted pet? Many times the ones coming out of the fish market's are loaded with internal parasites and very traumatized. What is your water temperature? Also what kind of softshell is it? Sorry to load you up with more questions but we might be able to give you some help if we have a little more insight into the what kind of softshell you are dealing with and a history (if you know it).

:Steve

:
:

Steve, it's a FL softshell, and was someone's unwanted pet. That's all the history I know. He's about 4-5". Any ideas? Oh, water temp is probably in the low-mid 70s, but he has a basking area that is much warmer. Because he's in a plastic rubbermaid-type container, I can't think of a way to safely warm his water without overcooking him. Any ideas welcome.



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