thought baby painted turtle died

Question
Hi I found a baby painted turtle around 2 months ago and have gotten a 10 gallon tank and a UV lamp for the turtle.  This morning i woke up to find my turtle floating in the water with a limp neck and his eyes closed.  My first thought was that he was dead.  I was deciding what to do, when i suddenly saw the turtle stretch his neck and open his mouth.  This caught my attention because i realized he was not dead.  I then felt the water which was recently cleaned, and the water felt a little chilled.  So i brought a small cup of warm water and poured it by my turtle.  When he felt the warm water he slowly started to move his limbs but his eyes stayed closed.  After that i realized the he needed warmer water so i transfered him to a smaller container and filled it with warm water and moved the UV lamp so he could be under the light.  I have been watching him and he has started moving more, but he still keeps his eyes closed and is not moving like he used to.  I dont know what  is wrong or what to do, if you could help me that would be great! PS.. My turtle does not eat his real food only his treats i know that it is not healthy for him but i have tried everything to get him to eat the pellets and he just spits them up and wont swallow them.

Answer
Hi Apoorva,

The lethargy, stretching the neck out, and opening the mouth are symptoms of a respiratory infection.  This is very serious.  If the turtle is still alive, you need to get it to a good reptile vet as soon as you can.  In addition, you should probably learn more about caring for the turtle properly.  A 10 gallon tank is really too small, even for a hatchling, and an adult painted turtle will need a much larger tank with excellent filtration (external canister filter), basking area with proper temperatures and adequate UVB (not UV, but UVB), and a good, varied diet which includes animal protein, greens, and some (but not only) pellets.  I've linked information for you below.

The next time you find a baby turtle, please leave it where you found it.  North American native turtle populations have been decimated by collection for the pet trade and by people who find turtles and decide to keep them.  Every turtle taken from the wild means that its offspring is lost to the species forever, and most species need all the help they can get.  In addition, once a wild turtle has been taken into captivity for very long it can't be returned to the wild.  Many states are also starting to protect their native turtles and some have enacted very strict laws.  Many native species are available captive bred (painted turtles are) and can be easily obtained from good private breeders.  Good luck with your little turtle.


http://www.austinsturtlepage.com/Care/caresheet-midland_painted.htm
http://chelonia.org/Articles/chrysemyscare.htm
http://www.austinsturtlepage.com/Care/care.htm
http://www.austinsturtlepage.com/Care/waterquality.htm
http://www.austinsturtlepage.com/Care/housing.htm
http://www.austinsturtlepage.com/Care/emergencies.htm