Reply to Nicole's Post: They eat Reptomin Floating Turtle Sticks. I did change to pellets and it was obvious to me at that time that this turtle was not eating it, plus the other two are so much larger; they would eat it before he had a chance. He did however eat the shrimp 'treat' I offered. This was about a month ago and he was doing fine. The tank is always over 80 degrees in my warmest room with a heat clamp light. I changed the tank water every day but sometimes a day went by before cleaning but never more than that. He is not drinking water -- just perched there on a dry rock and doing that "gulping" thing. It seems as though it's a breathing problem but it's hard to tell because he's like 'shrugging' his shoulders and gulping every 20 seconds or so. Bigger tank with filter now - I thought to separate the others from him because he just wasn't growing at all like the others. They were all the same exact size but this one didn't grow much. I don't understand what this is -- maybe a respiratory infection?? I've really been the perfect 'mommy' for these guys. The water is always treated correctly too. This whole thing started 2 days ago.

Reply to Nicole's Post: Thanks Nicole. I am certainly trying my best...okay, so not an hour after I put "Leonard" in his own tank, he developed a white 'crusty' dry-looking eye cover. It was scary and I was surprised. I had to go to work and when I returned last night Leonard was still there in the same spot. Light is on him and he is on dry river stones with about 1/2 inch of 85 degree water at the base. I have a space heater for added heat too. His eyes don't look crusty anymore -- perhaps he rubbed them? I did pick him up last night and he remained retracted this time instead of 'swimming' like he normally does when I pick him up -- by the way he is hardly ever handled -- the kids only help place him back in when we clean the tank -- no wheezing -- shell intact -- nothing suspicious with his shell. I've ruled out injury from the others... I didn't expect him to survive the night -- now I'm trying to locate a vet who treats turtles but I'm afraid to transport him -- I'll think of something -- ideally a vet may prescribe over the phone but this is a fantasy... anyway, he looks the same. I'm going to add a little more water to his quarters. I'm hoping the heat will allow him to heal himself but he's still doing that shrugging gasp-thing. I did see him crawl last night and this morning but he's not very responsive. Is there some sort of holistic tincture I could give him?? You know like I treat a sore throat with vinegar and honey... is there anything in the house I could help him with?? I will continue to call the vets -- they should be open now... thanks so much for your advice!!

All of you guys are great. Leonard miraculously started to "come out of it" - whatever this is! He is not eating still, but I did contact a vet. The turtle is just 1 1/2 inches in circ. and the other two are only about 3 1/2 inches., so I think the 10-gallon tank is okay for their current size. Obviously as they grow the tank size will grow too. I added a filter, and purchased a calcium supplement as well as a good multivitamin. The broad spectrum light was also added but it replaced the heating lamp, so I bought a basic aquarium heater, but it's not enough -- I'm switching out the cooler water for warm/treated water until the temp gets back to about 90 degrees. Leonard is moving around normally and swimming and the 'shrugging' has stopped, although now he brings his head/neck all the way out and opens his mouth...I think the last 12 hours of UV definitely has something to do with it! I purchased an anti-bacterial food source for him and the others if they show the 'signs', but they are a little cold this morning. I'm working hard to quickly get that temp up high. Next I will try a dropper for Leonard. I've learned so much in the last two days. Thank you!