housing/health question

marisa · 12-09-03, 01:36 AM

Hi guys.

I am getting two aquatic turtles on Wednesday. I am not sure what species they are but I am assuming and planning for R.E.S. of course.

Anyways both turtles are babies. I wasn't clear on it but I think both are around 1-3 inches long and they are currently living together in a ten gallon tank. I am setting up a 60 gallon for them but I am wondering if I should house them together? Any thoughts?

And my health question is I am going to assume they have some health issues because these people know nothing about reptiles and got these as a novelty. If they come with shell issues what can I bathe them in to clear some of the common problems up? When I got my current RES, I just gave him plain baths, but scrubbed him gently with a toothbrush, that and the hot basking site + UV seemed to clear up some white fungus he had and made his shell look 100% better.

Thanks for any input.
Marisa

Dani33 · 12-09-03, 01:53 AM

Sorry, don't know much about turtles. Your turning into a little turtle rescue. Just wanted to say good on ya for taking all these babies in. I am sure that there are lots of RES's that need homes. I've seen a girl in a pet store, who had already had the turtle, not even know their adult size! I think that she thought that it was going to stay the size of a twoonie. That kind of stuff urks me. Anyhow, good luck w/ your two new little guys! We need more people like you!!!!

eyespy · 12-09-03, 01:59 AM

Salt baths are mild and effective against shell problems that are not too deep. Dissolve a tablespoon of aquarium salt per gallon of dechlorinated or spring water and soak for 20 minutes.

I know some folks use methylene blue for fungi and bacteria problems but that can be toxic if not diluted enough and I don't know proper dosage info.

marisa · 12-09-03, 02:07 AM

O.k. thank you Eyespy. If things aren't too bad then I will go with the aquarium salt bath idea to clear them up.

Dani33- Well it's unfair for people to make the choice of giving an animal a crappy life. I didn't really want more turtles but on the other hand I can't simply let them go to another crappy home. I will keep them here until they are doing good, then start looking for a new home for them! One RES is enough for me! haha

Marisa