Hello, My dad found a red ear slider wondering around his neighborhood streets last fall and he ended up at our home. he's been just fine, but a few days ago his water turned extra murky (Diarrhea?) and smells aweful. I changed it but by the next evening, 24 hours later, it was back and worse. I feed him pellets and some green lettuce. he looks alright and seems to be as active as ever. I was wondering if I should give him some acidophilus or something like that? Thank you for considering our problem. Nathan Scott Phillips(our turtle) and I thank you! Nanell

It is normal for turtle waste to be very messy, disgusting, and stinky. Even solid waste may fall apart and appear to be "diarrhea." Keeping their home cleaner requires either changing all the water every day or two, getting a larger tank or pond, adding filtration (still requires water changes too), or feeding the turtle in another container of warm water as turtles defecate mostly after eating and also in warm water.

Also, lettuce isn't a great food to give turtles and can make their stools more loose than normal. Never feed iceburg lettuce. Green leaf lettuce and other green lettuces are ok to feed on occasion but shouldn't a major part of their diet. Try not only the commercial pellets but things like earthworms, grapes, kale, etc. My turtle pages at http://www.fishpondinfo.com/turcare.htm#feeding talk more about foods to try.

I don't know that acidophilus would do much of anything.

Thank you so much! I tried the seperate feeding water and I can tell it's better already. I'm getting him a bigger tank this weekend. I'm getting him some worms and grapes too! I have learned so much from your site! Thank you again for responding so fast! I was so worried. Thanks! nanell