Terrapin Floating on Water

[KX_Chng]

Hi,

I have 4 little terrapins which newly bought.

1 of the little terrapin seem do not like to swim in the water. And just recently, I found out that it float on the water which different from other 3. Whenever I try to put it back to the water, it will quickly swim back to the turtle bank.

I change the water almost 2 days once.

1. What should I do?
2. Will it affect the other 3?

Please help me, thanks!

[Pet Care Consultant]

Hi KX_Chng

In an ideal terrapin terrarium setting, a good water conditioning is important for a more responsive, healthier and more active terrapins.

Water conditioning includes good ambient temperature. This is usually within the range of 24-28 degrees centigrade, which such temperature plummet to a lower temperature, the tendency of the terrapin doesn't want to swim and looks for basking lights.

Other parameters of water conditioning should also be considered such as ammonia levels, which can be detrimental to your pet. Ammonia accumulates faster when unconsumed food are left within your terrarium. hence it is important to remove these food after pet's eating time.

Consider too, providing basking UV light intended for terrapins, these can help strenghten their shell as well as maintaining their optimum health.

For other related information, please visit and talk to our Pet Care Consultants in all our PLC outlets.

Warm regards,

Eliezer M. Bauzon, DVM RN