is it true that if a turtle flips itself on its back and can not get back over it will die? i found my turtle many of times on his back and i have to pick him up and put him back on his feet.. he usally goes to sleep if i do not notice that he is on his back and when i turn him over he wakes up. and starts running...
2006-07-11 02:30:06 · 7 answers · asked by ~Mrs.C 4 in Pets ➔ Reptiles
Their lungs are on their back (inside the shell). When they are on their back they can't get as much air as they need because they are slightly compressing their lungs. They will fall asleep, and then after a long enough time, they will suffocate and die.
Keep in mind, though, that turtles as amphibious creatures, can hold their breath for extremely long times, so they do not need as much air as you or I would think.
2006-07-11 02:35:02 · answer #1 · answered by cirestan 6 · 2⤊ 0⤋
The gentleman who raised all those turtles/tortoises is correct. We've really caused the problem by putting them in an artificial environment where they can't find a rough patch of ground, a rock or twig to squiggle up against to get leverage to flip back over. I've watch them do it in the wild often enough (it's best to just let them do it themselves -- less disorienting). Yes, once in a while they won't be able to in the wild, but it is the one's at home that mostly have the problem because the cage's floors may be too slippery to get a good grip, or the branch you have in there may be too small and will slide away from him, etc. So your homeboy may need a helping hand!
2006-07-11 09:09:06 · answer #2 · answered by Yahzmin ♥♥ 4ever 7 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Turtles can right themselves by using using their head easily. They would push themselves by extending their necks and also using limbs to assist them. Tortoises and highly domes turtles, like the box turtles, have a little more difficulty righting themselbves, but they still can, using the same technique. They have a harder time b/c they have shorter necks than the streamlined aquatic and semi-aquatic turtles. But in the wild, tortoises and the box turtle usually live around cover which means they have branches and brush to help to right themselves. It's rare that a tortoises or a turtle will die from lying on its back.
They can breathe without problem on their backs, but they are just uncomfortable.
2006-07-11 02:44:39 · answer #3 · answered by wu_gwei21 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
The "moss" is in all likelihood algae and could no longer damage the turtle in besides. If it bothers you, use an previous toothbrush to remove it. you should use salt as an abrasive, in case you desire. a extra constructive thanks to remove that's to inspire your turtle to bask extra, assuming you've a species that oftentimes basks lots. you ought to also decrease down on the algae by putting tadpoles in the tank. The tadpoles ought to eat the algae and the turtle ought to eat the tadpoles.
2016-10-14 08:38:59 · answer #4 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
my turtle gets on his back also but he can turn himself over...but I am sure some turtles can't flip back over
2006-07-11 03:28:37 · answer #5 · answered by Ashley 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
they will die if you dont flip them over how will they eat or drink....
2006-07-11 02:33:29 · answer #6 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
it is true.
2006-07-11 02:33:48 · answer #7 · answered by ronzohooter 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋