Sick Turtle

Question
QUESTION: Hi, I have a yellow belly turtle year and half old and for the passed 3 weeks he hasn't ate nothing and he spends all his time on his island under his light.He hasn't change that much in him self, hes not as active but he still moves, lately hes keeping his eyes closed and cant open them till hes put in his water, they look fine no discharge.he does have a fungal infection on his shell i have been using iodine on his, he has had that for about a year its not got worse but its not got better. I also have 2 other turtles they are both fine.

I'm really worried about him please help.
If you need anymore info just ask thanks Charlotte.

ANSWER: Hi Charlotte,

Lethargy and inactivity like this can be due to a number of different factors, but the fact that his fungal infection hasn't cleared up in a year makes me think that there is (at least) a water quality issue going on, and possibly other problems with husbandry.  Can you give me more information?  I need to know the size of each turtle, the size of the tank, type/capacity of filter, type of basking and UVB bulb(s), temperatures for both basking area and water, and complete diet.  When you post back I'll try to reply as soon as I can.  Thanks!
 

---------- FOLLOW-UP ----------

QUESTION: Leo the one that isn't eating is the smallest hes about the size of my hand, Donna is bit bigger than leo and Raff is the biggest shes about twice the size of leo. (all my turtles are the same age) Leo and Donna are male and Raff is female. They only have one island but it fits all the turtles on the island. I have a UV Bulb and a heat bulb. The tank is 4 foot (I change them out ones a week) the pump i have i think its a good one its big and it goes in the tank. they have a heat bulb in the water as well. I feed them prawns, meal worms, sometimes crickets and worms but only occasionally. i feed them ones a day at night. In the tank i put in a calcium block ever time i change the tank. I'm not sure the temperature of the tank i did have one when i first got the turtles but it broke n i haven't had one since.


Thanks Charlotte

Answer
Hi Charlotte,

I think you have several problems going on.  One is that the tank is too small for three turtles.  A 4' tank could be be anywhere from about 35 to 75 gallons, but even 75 is only big enough for one turtle.  For three yellow bellies, with one of them a large female, you need a 200 gallon tank.  Then you need a filter that's rated for at least 2 times the size of the tank (preferably three).  I'm not sure what you meant by "pump," but you have to have filtration.  

You need a UVB bulb--not UV.  It's a specialty reptile bulb that needs to be changed regularly, but UVB is what allows turtles to properly metabolize calcium.  Without it, a turtle will develop shell and bone deformities.  You also need to know the temperatures, so get a good digital thermometer.  Too warm or cool, and turtles won't eat and won't bask/swim properly.  

They should have a more varied diet--pellets, along with a mix of animal protein and greens/veggies (dandelion, collards, kale, turnip, mustard, squash, peppers, etc.).  Rather than using a calcium block, put a cuttlebone in the tank for them to nibble for extra calcium as needed.  

There's more information linked below.  I think if you make these changes, all your turtles will be healthier and happier.  Your sick turtle will hopefully improve, but if he remains lethargic and not eating after you make the changes, it may be necessary to bring him to a herp vet for further diagnosis.     

http://www.austinsturtlepage.com/Care/cs-yellowbelly.htm
http://www.austinsturtlepage.com/Care/care.htm
http://www.austinsturtlepage.com/Care/waterquality.htm
http://www.austinsturtlepage.com/Articles/filtration.htm
http://www.austinsturtlepage.com/Care/housing.htm