My red eared slider has been having spasms?

Question

He kicks his back legs out spastically or shakes his arms and head. It seems like a seizure almost. This first happened almost a month ago when we put him back in the tank after cleaning it and is now happening again. Should I take him to a vet? Has anybody ever heard of this?

Answer 1

My turtle used to do that and i think it was because of shedding. If you overfeed them, they shed excessively. Plus think of it, how do they scratch when they are itchy? I wouldn't worry too much unless he stops eating.

Answer 2

There are several possibilities:

SUN WORSHIP POSTURE- Basking turtles stretch out undr good light to bask more fully and get the sunlight on their limbs. They often shake and shiver a little as they do this, especially at first, or if coming out of colder water.

COURTSHIP/AGRESSION DISPLAY- Turtles often do various kinds of shaking when they see another turtle or a reflection. Common behaviors here include head bobbing, stroking with foreclaws, etc.

SHOCK- putting a turtle in water that is colder than it is used to, suddenly changing environments on it, etc. can result in a physical stress that is shown by shaking or shivering.

I would suggest reviewing the basic care guidelines for sliders at the sites listed below. Make sure your cares and diet are rock-solid and tweak anything that needs adjustment. Pay special attention to the tank, tank size, temps, lighting and diet.

Often- odd symptoms like this show up because of some glitch in the care that we can correct.

Try these sites:
http://www.redearslider.com
http://www.austinsturtlepage.com

Answer 3

My turtles do this from time to time when they are basking. It's normal. They may be shaking off excess water and insuring that their skin is stretched out enough to dry.