Why is my red-eared slider's claw fluttering? Does he need a mate?

It looks like he has an injury on his toe or foot. A close up image would be needed to determine where the injury is located. A physical exam with your veterinarian or an experienced herp vet would be recommended to diagnose and treat any infection. Raphael may need antibiotics. For now, keep the water in the tank as clean as possible. Rinse the foot a couple times daily with diluted betadine or chlorhexidine solution. Allow a 1-2 hour dry docking after each cleaning. Monitor for lethargy or decreased appetite. Confirm proper environmental parameters. Consider increasing tank temps by about 5-10 degrees F to aid in recovery.

It is a natural trait of the males to have long nails. Being aquatic turtles the length of the nails does not cause them any issues with movement and therefore should be left long. Cutting the nails should not be done UNLESS they are growing in an abnormal orientation. There is a vein that runs down into the nail. If you hit this vein while trimming the nails or get very close to it the toe(s) will be very sore for quite a while. So my guess is that this is the reason he is not walking and the reason he bit the vet assistant. I suggest you call the vet and ask them for some pain medication that you can give Mangi. That will make him feel better and then he may start to eat again. In the future DO NOT have the nails trimmed unless there is an actual medical reason to do so. Hope this helps. Best wishes.

Vets are open during quarantine. If you are worried and don't think it is normal then you need to have him examined by a vet. I can't really tell you what is wrong with him based on your description but I am guessing he may have an injury to his leg. He will need to see an exotics vets so you may have to drive closer to Chicago to take him there. Here are two I found near you. http://www.exoticpetvet.com/ animalhouseofchicago.com/locations/illinois/chicago-animal-house-of-chicago/our-services-exotic-pet-care

Thanks for reaching out about Sheel and including photos. A veterinary visit is recommended, probably with radiographs, to rule-in/out a fracture or dislocation. Even if fractured, some animals will walk on it. Pain medications will probably be recommended at the minimum. Soft tissue swelling might improve better with anti-inflammatory medications. Good luck.

The rubbing is done to aid in shedding scutes. The digging and pushing may also be attempts to aid shedding. Inspect the shell for soft spots, pitting or fungus. Confirm proper environmental conditions (water quality/temp, ambient/basking temps, dry dock, UVB lighting) as well as proper nutrition.

It may be local infection or irritation. Female sliders can be territorial, so injury is also a possibility. If Jenny is behaving normally, you can monitor the spot at home. Maintain pristine water conditions. You can gently cleanse the area daily using a diluted betadine or chlorhexidine (Hibiclens) solution followed by a 1-2 hour dry dock. If the spot doesn't clear up, have her examined by your veterinarian or a vet experienced in treating reptiles. Yes, Jenny is female. Short nails on the front limbs and the thin tail are indicative of a female slider.

Nubbins should be examined by an experienced herp veterinarian. Any open wounds are at risk of infection. They wounds should be properly cleaned and antibiotics administered if indicated. Dry docking him is the right thing to do until the wounds heal. He will need to be placed in water for about an hour a day to eat, rehydrate and defecate. Follow the link for a care sheet: http://www.anapsid.org/reslider.html