fedding

Question

Hi, i got my two terrapins two days ago and they have a oval tank with the length of 26 and a width of 19cm(3/4 of the tank is filled with rocks). The problem is that they won't eat the terrapin pellets i give them (Nutrafin basix).Then I looked it up on the web and found that they won't eat in a small cold area, so I moved them to another small tank (only for feeding)which was a lenth of 19cm and a width of 12cm, I filled it with warm water and put the terrapin in and a pellet, but he just sat there and ignored it and closed his eyes and just sat there.I have seached this for hours and  I could still not find anything. please advise me on what to do about this problem. I use a fluoressent light for them to bask in, and they are red eared terrapins, the temp of there water is about 22 degrees.These terrapins are kept inside and do not hibernate. I also had a terrapin before so i know how to look after terrapins.

Answer
Indufficient information. How big are the turtles? Is the fluorescent light a UVB light? I don't know.

These tank dimensions are extremely extremely insufficient. That works out to only 10 inches in length and 7 in width. Woefully inadequate for even hatchlings.

I also do not know whether these are wild caught or captive bred. If they are wild caught, they probably aren't going to eat in captivity due to stress and should be let go.

Sitting with eyes closed is a sign of illness, and likely a respiratory infection from improper temperatures, or unclean conditions because your tank is way way too small. It borders on cruelty if your dimensions are indeed accurate. The water needs to be heated, and you have not told me what you basking temps are. A fluorescent light is not for basking heat. You are probably keeping them too cold, and will kill them. Take them to a veterinarian to be treated for respiratory of other illness before you kill them.

I'm sorry but I do not think you know how to look after terrapins, being quite honest and on the behalf of the turtles. These are basic things for turtle keepers to know. I am going to tell you straight because failing to address it does a service to no one. I have to address it this way because I care about lives of the animal more than upsetting someone's feelings. If you had a terrapin before, then where is it? These turtles can live for decades if cared for properly. Do not fool yourself if you want to improve yourself and keep these turtles alive very long. You have a lot to learn.   

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http://www.anapsid.org/reslider.html
http://austinsturtlepage.com/