My dog was rolling him around the backyard so he may be in protection mode. His shell is shut closed and he hasn't come out. He's a box turtle. I'm not sure if my dog killed him or not, please help.
2006-10-06 14:46:18 · 19 answers · asked by april.may 3 in Pets ➔ Reptiles
Put him on a piece of paper and use a pencil to draw around his shell. Leave him on the outline for a week. If he hasn't moved he's probably dead.
Word from the wise... He needs a vet. It's possible he has internal injuries. Just like you can scramble an egg in the shell if you shake it too hard, turtles can be damaged inside and have no outward symptoms.
It's better to be safe than sorry.
2006-10-06 15:18:00 · answer #1 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 1⤋
Put it in a warm, safe place like its cage and leave it alone for a while.
The next day, pick it up. If it moves, jerks, hisses, or so on, it is alive. If it feels light and non-responisve to anything, it is not.
There are other ways, but they are stressful to the turtle after an event like this.
2006-10-06 15:11:01 · answer #2 · answered by Madkins007 7 · 1⤊ 0⤋
If the shell is intact (not broken or cracked) he's most likely fine and just "in protection mode" as you said. But if you have a veterinary hotline in your area you might call them just in case.
BTW...be careful if you put him under a heat lamp as suggested by another answerer. The warmth will probably be comforting, but they can get too hot if you're not careful. My sister has a Gecko and she has to be careful not to leave the lamp on too long because it can fry him.
2006-10-06 14:53:24 · answer #3 · answered by Schleppy 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
There are many ways to check if your turtle is dead. Here are a few suggestions.
1. Try tickleing him in the armpits
2. Check for pulse
3. Put a mirror under his nose
4. Ask him something funny, to see if he moves
5. Sneak up on him, and go BOO
6. If you notice a rotten smell, he's probably dead
2006-10-06 14:56:54 · answer #4 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 2⤋
i have a turtle tooo mine is an eastern painted turltle but the same thing happend to mine but a cat was harrasing it just put it it in the sink or a tank with water and it it wants out it will swim out and if your box turtle doesn't swim try putting it a little bit just don't drown it
___i don't think your turtle is dead just really scared
2006-10-06 14:56:44 · answer #5 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 1⤋
the best thing is to leave him be for a couple of days and then see how he is doing and if the shell is not open then you will need to take him in because there maybe something wrong with him. put him in his tank with the heat light on him and keep him warm right now and he should be ok. i usually don't tell people to take their animals to the vet but if i think there maybe something wrong i will suggest for you to do that, but try keeping him warm and see how he is in a couple of days. good luck.
2006-10-06 14:53:10 · answer #6 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 0⤋
Leave him alone and he will come out of his shell. Turtle's don't stay in their shell if they are dead.
2006-10-06 14:49:46 · answer #7 · answered by noice 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
If his shell is intact, it's unlikely he's dead. I suggest you just take him somewhere safe and enclosed and wait for him to come out of his shell. One idea is to put him in some water, because then he'll have to come out of his shell eventually if he isn't dead (turtles breathe air). Also, if he's alive, then in the future, don't let your dog get hold of him.
2006-10-06 14:48:01 · answer #8 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 3⤋
just keep an eye on him to see if he moves after he figures out that the coast is clear
2006-10-06 20:42:09 · answer #9 · answered by Loollea 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
youre dog can't kill it... its shell is to hard... just watch it if it doesn't come out for about 3 days .... it could might be already dead.... maybe it is just sick or stressed that's why it don't come out. maybe be take it to a veterinarian in able for you to make sure if it is just fine.
2006-10-06 15:15:51 · answer #10 · answered by Chrysler d 2 · 0⤊ 1⤋