Sick Box Turtle

The girl from petco called me because someone had dropped off a box turtle and it was in terrible shape.

He couldn't even see, I had soaked him and pulled two weird things out of his eye and got him to be able to see again. He doesn't even fill up his whole shell. He is beyond malnutrition.

I have him in a separate enclosure from my other box turtles I got some UVB lights and heat lights plus water. I got him walking around way more then he was, he isnt as sluggish but now is resting. He couldnt even hold his head up at first.

I was just wondering if you guys have any other advice before I take him to the vet (which i cant do until i get paid on friday)

PICTURE: what i pulled out of his eyes

The right foods, water, and the right temperature should bring him around . I would get him outside in sun light as much as I could . Also add calcium in his diet . Give him some good bugs and worms for protein and energy . A trip to the vet is a must to check for parasites.

I tried feeding him several items, im worried he cant open his mouth. He just keep pushing around all of his food. Any advice?

Have you tried baby food soaks? Some strained carrots or sweet potatoes mixed in the water with some unflavored pedialyte?

For foods try blackberries/wheat bread/and live worms. If he doesn't show any interest in those food items it may be time for the vet, but honestly I've never heard of a vet successfully rehabilitate a really sick box turtle.

pfara said:

Have you tried baby food soaks? Some strained carrots or sweet potatoes mixed in the water with some unflavored pedialyte?

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I also suggest this first. Good luck.

Also, you might want to try a drop of cod liver oil on the food if/when you can get the turtle eating. I've never had to deal with eye issues, but I've heard a drop of cod liver oil on the eyes helps as well. Maybe someone else can chime in on that?