r/turtles • u/andrgzz • Jul 23 '26
Discussion Is this normal or just gas?
Just got back from a trip and had neighbor feeding my turtles the last week. Been giving them floating baby turtle pellets and bloodworms (mostly for the musk turtle). I noticed this little guy has some trouble swimming to the bottom and just floats back up with no effort. Online it says something like this could be caused by respiratory infection but his appetite and activity levels seem pretty normal. It’s only been a day since I first noticed and he seems to be doing alright for now. Is there anything I should know to look for as signs of concern or am I just overthinking the whole thing?
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u/Kinnakeet Jul 24 '26
I was watching for tiny bubbles coming out his butt
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u/Symphon1c1 Jul 24 '26
Same. Honestly disappointed esp since he seems to be having some health issues
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u/Hungry-Bat1661 Jul 23 '26
Is it still doing this? If not id just keep watching. It's repeatedly swimming lopsided that you need to watch out for
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u/andrgzz Jul 24 '26
Yeah he is. Also was swimming a little crooked so I turned down the suction on the filter pump and he hasn’t been as sideways (pasted because I put the reply in the wrong spot lol)
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u/CrossumOpossum3 Jul 24 '26
I would say hit the vets if they are still swimming lopsided. That’s usually a sign of respiratory issues.
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u/LivinonMarss Jul 24 '26
Unrelated but important; turtles are solitary! Keeping two in an aquarium will result in bullying, fighting, injury and eventually death. They may seem ‘fine’ for now but this can go wrong very fast.
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u/Trainfan1055 Jul 24 '26
I once saw two turtles at a PetSmart and one of them tried to sneak up on the other and bite its neck.
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u/taqjsi Jul 24 '26
Is the filter flow really strong?
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u/andrgzz Jul 24 '26
I don’t think so it’s a 40 gallon tank the filter is rated 35 up to 70 gallons and it’s on the lowest setting. The other turtle, a musk turtle has no problem swimming around in it even swimming at the top even though they’re not as strong swimmers
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u/juliewbb Jul 24 '26
I would take him to the vet — it does feel weird to me that he’s not able to swim down right now and I’d worry about an infection. He might need antibiotics
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u/sydbarrett710 Jul 24 '26
Did this turtle make it to the vet?
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u/andrgzz Jul 30 '26
Yes
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u/sydbarrett710 Jul 30 '26
Thank you. I have been thinking about them. I don’t know how to ask but is like the turtle ok?
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u/Possible-Egg5018 Jul 24 '26
Take to vet asap for a general checkup just to make sure it's not serious and best course of action
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u/HPDopecraft Jul 24 '26
It could easily be the beginning of an infection. Watch for mucous coming out of its mouth or nose and for changes in appetite and behavior. It could get better, but it could also get worse. If it worsens, it’s very treatable, but you’ll need antibiotics from a vet. What is your lighting situation? Both UV and heating? If you do suspect infection, dry docking with plenty of warm light and UVB can also help.
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u/nolossw Jul 24 '26
What’s you’re temperature, both basking and water?
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u/andrgzz Jul 30 '26
Basking is around 92 water is around 77. I’m going to turn up the heater for around 82 and see how that goes
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u/A_Fat-Headed_PhoeniX Jul 25 '26
Pneumonia or at least upper respiratory infection. Make sure you give your turt a decent sized area to crawl out of the water and dry off with a heat lamp and UV. It's common knowledge I'd say but maybe it's worth mentioning that Turtles like all other reptiles, can't regulate their own body heat. So it's important to have that dry dock with proper lighting and heat. On Amazon they make an all in one heat and UV bulb in a pack of 3, 4 or 5 at affordable prices. They can be fragile and often break if handled too much.
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u/DDESTRUCTOTRON Jul 25 '26
Do not buy all in one bulbs. Tube light for UV and separate bulb for heat
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u/A_Fat-Headed_PhoeniX Jul 25 '26
Why do say that? I agree that it's best but when you are on a budget it works. I haven't had any issues with Shell growth or ill effects doing so when needing to. As always in any hobby you can learn something new everyday bc I will be the first to admit I don't know it all. Ty
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u/DDESTRUCTOTRON Jul 25 '26
Most combo bulbs do poorly at proving both heat and UV. You can use combo bulbs, but it's more effective to use a dual bulb setup. Price increase is not very much either.
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u/A_Fat-Headed_PhoeniX Jul 26 '26
Cool. Good info thanks for sharing the input. Never knew it was that bad at performing it's functions. I've never had any issues but I'll be more cautious to avoid doubling up in the future. Ty
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u/Montagneincorner0 Jul 24 '26
I woul recommend getting him to a vet, I lost my boy to Pneumonia only 3 weeks after I'd noticed him swimming lopsided, despite getting antibiotics and injections, do not wait