Help.

Question
I have two baby turtles I bought both at the same time and one of them has turned really inactive. I have a strong feeling he's sick, but I really don't know what's wrong. He hasn't been eating much and all he really does is bask in light. His brother has outgrown him and tripled in his size, while he is still the same size as I first got him. He opens his mouth constantly and sometimes even foams at the mouth.

The major problem is, I can't take him to the vet because my parents can't afford it. I'm 16 years old and I've been paying the expenses for my turtles all on my own ever since I got them. I guess I'm wondering if there's any medication you might recommend that is affordable in some sort of Pet Store. If not, I was wondering exactly, what are my options?

Answer
It sounds like you are describing Ulcretive Stomatitis, also called Mouthrot. It is discussed here: http://www.austinsturtlepage.com/Care/medinjuries.htm

If it is mouthrot, the outcome is not very positive. A vet can often help, but many turtles with this die even with a vet's care. What I would recommend is a generic approach that offers your turtle the chance to fight it on its own.

You will need to create a separate tank for the ill turtle. It needs to be at least 10 gallons and easy to clean. I recommend clean Rubbermade-type tubs.

Get the water to 80-85F (about 5 degrees warmer than the usual water temps.) The best way is usually a good water heater with some sort of guard to protect the turtle.

Light the tank with a UVB bulb. These are a bit $$$, but helpful with ill turtles. If you position things right, the same bulb can light both tanks. Use another bulb to warm the basking site up to about 90F (and use thermometers to verify temps- don't guess.)

Filter the water well. You should be using a good filter anyway, but if the two tanks share a filter, then the infected water will go right back to the healthy turtle, and the stuff is infectious enough as it is. A nice thing about the Rubbermade tank is you can use a cheaper filter and just dump the water and scrub it every few days.

So- now you have warm, clean, plentiful water and good lighting. This provides a restful, comfortable situation so hopefully it can rest and heal.

Try using either 'Turtle Sulfa Dip' or the fish medicine 'Stress Coat' to assist in treating the primary and any secondary infections.

You may wish to review a good general care site as well. Http://www.redearslider.com is a good one.

Good luck!