Someone please help, i have a sickly painted turtle.

[djayjdee]

About 6 months ago or so, i purchased 2 painted turtles off of a mutual friend. both were young babies at the time i picked them up, and now they've grown to about 2" in length and width. Unfortunately Major Tom hasn't been himself the past week or so. He has become very lethargic, rarely eats, and his eyes look swollen and it's almost a burden to try an open them as wide as he can. The other turtle, Ziggy Stardust, is doing well though. I'm not too sure what to do for little Major Tom. The only thing i can think of is purchasing one of those UVB lights. Or maybe a heater for the tank? I'm not sure, but I do need help and advice, so if anyone out there can enlighten me, i would greatly appreciate it.

[Kendalle]

GET A UVB LIGHT you really do need one i am almost positive. get a high one at least 10.0 uvb like zoo med brand if you want a really great one get a megaray uvb emitter

also take him to the vet

[Dragonrain]

What's your set up for your turtles? You really should already have lights and heaters set up for them.

Painted turtles will come out of the water to bask, so you should have an area of the tank where they can come out of the water completly with UVB lighting over the basking area.

The water temperature should be in the 70's - 70 to 75 degrees.

You should have a strong filter set up to help keep the water cleaner - and still do water changes also.

What size tank are they in?

I don't know what's wrong with your little guy, but I suggest that you take him to an exotics vet and maybe read a few care sheets and rework your enclosure.

Good luck! I hope your turtle is feeling better soon.