How to care for a Chinese golden thread turtle that won't bask?

Thanks for reaching out about Michaelangelo. It sounds as if he is more comfortable and hiding less, as long as still eating and active. If you become more concerned, a veterinary visit is recommended. Good luck.

Thanks for reaching out about Michaelangelo. Depth of the water is not that important as long as there is a haul-out area, with radiant heat (and UVB). Ensure haul-out area is used and the turtles are able to access. (might need a ramp). The larger the water volume, the more stable the conditions. Good luck.

Thanks for reaching out about your aquatic turtle. Water temperature needs to be kept warm for nutrient absorption. Without pictures, it is difficult to assess the shell. Insects are important for these young animals but all worms/insects need to be gut loaded for nutrients, as otherwise are bags of fat. High calcium levels are important for shell strength. Good luck.

It would appear this turtle, not a tortoise, is suffering nutritional deficiency. Reptiles require UVB lighting, either natural unfiltered sunlight or artificially produced by an appropriate light source, in a addition to an appropriate diet with adequate calcium and vitamin supplementation. All these things will aid in the development and maintenance of a health shell. The deficiency may be reversible, however the shell may be malformed for years to come if it survives. Ideally, this turtle should be examined by a veterinarian. A specialist can be consulted via phone or online to obtain proper treatment information. In general, turtles need clean water, a heat lamp for basking, a UVA/UVB light source and a dry area for basking. Most are omnivores and will eat small prey (feeder fish, worms, crickets), fresh greens and a commercial pelleted diet. As stated above, they also require calcium and vitamin supplementation. You can find general care information here: http://www.austinsturtlepage.com/Care/care.htm

Thanks for reaching out about Leo. Many aquatic turtles won't bask if they feel safe. Also if the air is cool, and the heat lamp over the basking site not adequate, they might be warmer in the water. If the heat lamp is too close and too hot, Leo might feel uncomfortable. Check out those parameters and fix any problems. Good luck.

He should be eating some greens and vegetables as well. Avoid the fish flakes as they are high in protein. Use both a multivitamin powder and a calcium powder on the food. Rep-Cal and Zoo Med products can be found in the local Petco. Make sure the UVB light is not blocked by glass, plexiglass or fine mesh. Depending on the strength of the bulb, place the source between 12 and 18 inches from the surface of the basking area. Provide a piece of cuttlebone to float in the tank as a calcium supplement for when he wants to munch it. If you can provide the species of turtle in a new post, we may be able to provide more accurate and comprehensive advice.

-Make sure she has a good quality UV light above her no more than 12"- it should be a tube light and not a screw in kind, like a ReptiSun. Change it every 6 months. -If she won't get up to bask, make the area more inviting- put a larger platform, make sure you have a good heat light above that area, make it easy for her to get out, make sure nothing stressed her or scares her back into he water. -If it doesn't work to get her basking and then you may need to dry dock her part of the day- take her out of the water and let her bask in an empty tub or aquarium with her heat and UV lights on above her so she really dries out (make sure to leave her a cool side to go where it is not as hot so she doesn't overheat.) - You can try to soak her in dilute Betadine solution- you can purchase Betadine at the drug store and add a small amount to water to make a weak tea color and soak in water just deep enough to cover her back end 5-10 minutes once daily. This may help if their is infection under the scutes. -If these things are not working and more scutes are loose, then she needs to see a vet for an exam and possibly antibiotics.