Red-eared slider woes

Question
Hello, I'm not sure if you'll be able to help or not but no harm in asking.  I have three red-eared sliders.  One of the three has developed an area on each side of the plastron superior to the hind feet where the integrity of the shell has been compromised.  The larger of the other two turtles somehow noticed these areas and started biting at these zones and we've had some light bleeding coming from these areas.  Naturally I've separated the turtles but don't really have a great set-up for keeping them isolated for an extended period.  Any insights to share? Thanks, Greg

Answer
Hi Greg, Sliders can be very aggressive with each other. I would suspect that the initial plastron problems may also have been bite related which at least leaves you with just two problems to deal with rather then three!
Make sure the basking temperature for the injured turtle is in the preferred optimal zone of 90-92F and that her water hygiene is good. Small shell wounds can be portals for infection down to the boney layer of the shell  which is definitely something you want to avoid. The temp. will keep her immune system functioning at full throttle.
Dealing with the biting is going to be more difficult. I don't know how decorated your tank is but sometimes just keeping the two turtles out of constant visual range of each other can help break the cycle. Adding hanging vegetation to create a bit of a privacy screen in one corner or strategically placed pieces of bark are the two options. Good luck.