My red eared slider!!!HELP!!!?

Question

i bought him last Saturday...and now he's starting to swim slightly sideways...and he is always basking and hardly swims at all...is this something i should be worried about someone please help...

Answer 1

below is care sheet for red ear sliders. you should have read up on this before getting this turtle.

Answer 2

I wouldn't think so but if things start to get worse you might want to consider taking him to a vet. He might just be nervous being brought into a new habitat so I would just say give him time.

Answer 3

when my RES were babies they basked alot too.. that is how they grow so they will do that often when young. and in stages as the go through growth spurts. Just like free turtles.. if you spend much time outdoors you will notice on sunny days turtles come out of the water and bask practically all day. As for swimming sideways, that is usually associated with some sort of respiratory infection. I have never dealt with that with my turtles but I know that is often the first sign of one. You should try to contact a vet who specializes in reptiles. If there isn't one in your area try your local PetCo or PetSmart. They usually have someone fairly educated in turtles!