Baffled with new hatchling

[Chris C.]

Hi everyone, I brought home a new Northern hatchling on friday to add to our family and she has me a bit baffled. She is about 4 weeks old approx. and eats just fine, basks, and goes in the water as well. The ph, ammonia, and nitrate levels are all on target as well. Water temp is about 80-82 degress as well. What has me baffled are these: * When she goes in the water… she just paddles at the surface or just floats around. She will not submerge or swim underwater… although when she floats or swims at the surface she pokes he head way underneath to look around. Also her swimming is VERY sluggish at times as if she is still learning how to swim. * Occasionally I notice a SLIGHT tilt when she is floating… she seems to have both her legs pulled in on the side that is tilted downwards hence it looks like a bit of a tilt. She looks good on the outside – no visible problems at all. My first thought was a possible beginning of a respiratory infection or a small respiratory infection in progress but I don’t see any other signs to indicate a respiratory infection such as gaping for air, runny nose or mouth with mucus or bubbles or swollen joints either. Any thoughts? Any medications I should put in there such as betadine/benidine (sp?). I’ve been asking around dn searching for others with a similar problem with their hatchling as well. You can reply directly to me at sticks@…. Thanks! -= Chris C.

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