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Why is my red eared slider sick? Not eating, not swimming, mouth open.

Updated On September 23rd, 2025

Pet's info: Reptile | Aquatic Turtle | Male | 0.0661387 lbs

I have a red eared slider. I got him 3 weeks ago and he was perfectly fine. But just 3 days ago he is showing signs of sickness. He hasn't eaten for 2 days but just today he ate a siungle food stick. He was actve ago but he doesn't enter the water now. Just today, He started opening and closing his mouth as well the temperature is fine. What should i do?

2 Answers

Most Helpful Answer

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Answered By Miranda Sadar, DVM, DACZM

Veterinarian

Published on March 11th, 2019

Thanks for your question about Toby, and I am sorry that this is happening to the two of you. Reptiles are very good about hiding their illness for long periods of time, so it is possible that he has been sick for a longer time frame than just a few days. The majority of the problems that are present in reptiles are caused by suboptimal husbandry, so I would recommend looking at that closely and making adjustments as needed. This would include the areas of temperature, UV lighting, water quality, and diet. I am not sure of the availability of a veterinarian in your area, but an evaluation would be recommended. They can discuss the husbandry with you and make suggestions to help to make it perfect. They can also perform an examination and may recommend diagnostic testing, such as radiographs (x-rays) or blood work. I hope that gives you a place to start, and that Toby feels better soon.

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Other Answers

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    Answered By Todd Cecil

    Veterinarian

    Published on

    Thanks for reaching out about Toby. Contacting the vendor or a veterinarian is probably needed. If you place him in the water, does he float evenly? Sinking or one side lower is often a sign of a lower respiratory (lung) disease as they can not fully inflate their lungs. For this, antibiotics are needed. Other causes of general illness including ingestion of foreign body, poor water condition, liver or renal disease, and others. Once again, a veterinary visit can help. Good luck.

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