My African Side Neck Turtle is not very active...?

Question

We bought the turtle about 2 wks ago, from PetSmart. They say he should be active right now. We believe he is eating, because the 3 pellets are gone within 1 hr. I am wondering if it is the water condition. I just cleaned his tank 3 days ago. I was told that a bacteria must exist for his health, but the water is already pretty cloudy and a rainbowish film is on the water. I put the addative as directed. "Mr. Turtle" is also keeping his eyes closed often, even when we pick him up and he moves his head. He is still quite fiesty. He tucks his head in and moves his legs when handed. I really don't want to pay for a vet that will cost more than him, but I don't want him to die. Help me, please!

Answer 1

its a turtle...what you want it to do...run around...turtles aren't active animals

Answer 2

African Sideneck Turtle In the Corner 7/14/06
I got my African Sideneck Turtle 3 days ago and all it has done is sit in the corner of the tank near the water filter. My parents say that it likes the flowing water, but I am not sure. He also has not eaten in 2 days. My friends say that he is lonely, but I don't know. Should I be concerned?
Answer: Check the water temp. It should be up around 80 F. He will be more active at higher temps if everything else ids OK.>-Chuck>

Turtle Not Eating, was African Sideneck Turtle In the Corner 7/15/06
What do I do if the water gets to cold? Why is He not eating?
< You have a tropical turtle that needs to be warm to increase his metabolism and properly digest his food. If he is too cold then the food sits in his stomach and rots. Get an aquarium thermometer and set it for 80 F and see if he gets more active. The other problem could be parasites. You will need to take a fecal sample to a vet to have it checked out.-Chuck>


Specific Care Information:
In captivity, African Side Necked Turtles should be allowed a tank with enough water for them to swim in, in addition to a land area where they can bask. As a general rule, the water should have a depth about equal to the turtle's width. Many people find that a filter provides great help in maintaining a good water quality. Water temperatures should remain between 78 and 82 degree Fahrenheit with a pH of 6 to 6.5. During the day, the temperature of the land area should remain about 83 degrees Fahrenheit with a basking area about 90 degrees. Usually, African Side Necked Turtles are fed invertebrates and a small amount of green vegetation. Commercial turtle chow, low fat dog chow, trout food, apples, or bananas can also be offered from time to time. Because they may not get along well with other animals, even turtles of the same species, African Side Necked Turtles should be kept alone unless you are attempting to breed them.

Answer 3

1. Bacteria in the water is bad, and cloudy/oily water is a terrible sign.

2. There is no water additive that is helpful- it just makes the water dirtier. Plain, clean water is the best for it.

3. General 'pond turtle' care is a good foundation. Check http://www.redearslider.com or http://tortoise.org/general/watcare.html for a starting point.

A key point of good pond turtle care is a commonly misunderstood point- tank size. Turtles need about 10 gallons per inch of shell. This does not mean a 1/2 filled 10 gallon tank per inch, but 10 gallons of swimming space per inch.

Low activity in an otherwise healty turtle is not a big deal- turtles get slower and less active as they age. Ho0wever, they need the opportunities to move around, explore, and exercise.

Answer 4

I've had my African Side Neck Turtle for about 8 years now, and I will tell you he is very stubborn. Give your turtle a break, but please make sure you are cleaning the water correctly, and try some other food. Feeder goldfish, freeze dried shrimp, and see if he will eat those.

Answer 5

PLEASE PLEASE go to a veterinarian who nows about reptiles. Ask them if they would deworm your turtle with ivermectin. Ivermectin is toxic to turtles and any vet who knows about turtles will say no. Then schedule an appointment with them for a thorough physical exam for the turtle.

-a veterinarian