Red ear slider cracked shell and bridge

Question
We found a large slider that was run over by something a portion of the shell on the side is cracked and the bridge on one side is gone. The turtle is very active can swin and walk without any issues. We have put tape over the wound to start the healing but how do I feed her if she has to stay out of the water?

Answer
Thank you for helping this turtle! In rehab, we would try to treat the turtle so it can be kept in water as much as possible to minimize the stress of being injured, captured, and kept dry.

In general, we would release it as soon as we could- once it can swim freely and the 'active' wounds are healing. It sounds like it may be at or near that stage now.

I'd gently remove the tape, and if it still needs active treatment, let me know what it needs and we can discuss care options. In the meantime, go ahead and let it back in the water ASAP.

http://www.austinsturtlepage.com has a lot on care, medical issues, etc.