I have a murray short neck turtle who is about 16 months old now and i can't get him to eat, up until 2 days ago i couldn't stop him eating he would pinch all my other turtles food and eat that too. The water did become cloudy and acidic because the filter stopped working for a little while so im hoping thats all it was and he will get back to normal soon. I'm worried about him, he isn't swimming as quick as usual but he is still moving around. Any one know what could be wrong.
2007-03-20 17:31:22 · 9 answers · asked by Anonymous in Pets ➔ Reptiles
Reptiles do not have a metabolism that tells them they are hungry. Therefore there could be several reasons why the turtle is not eating. One reason is stress. It could be stressed from being moved. It could also be several others factors usually things that have changed in its life recently. You could also be feeding the wrong thing. The turtle food pellets are very good if it will eat them. But if it won't try feeding it pieces of hotdog (uncooked) or worms or even dead feeder fish (gold fish). You can also try romaine lettuce or fruit (only in moderation) NO iceburg lettuce, and NO spinach though. Also make sure you are giving it a place to bask out of the water under a UVB lamp. This is essential in proper digestion. Also make sure to dechlorinate the water (the solutions are sold at pet stores). Also give it a place it can hide if it wants to. I would also recommend a backing for the glass with a underwater rock scene or something (sold at pet stores). This can reduce stress the turtle gets from constantly trying to go through the glass (since they do not understand the concept of glass). Also make sure the aquarium is big enough. Also make sure the water is warm enough (room temp). For an adult the aquarium should be 55 gallons. And lastly make sure you have a filter. I hope this helped. Good luck.
2007-03-21 08:13:12 · answer #1 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
Water temp? Turtles are cold blooded. If the water is to cold they will stop or slow down on eating. Did you do a water change? Did you get the filter cleaned out and working? A turtle, unless it is very small, can go without food for 2 days no problem. Turtles of all type also need UVA and UVB rays of light. Does your turtles cage/aquarium have this source of light? Any sunlight? What kind of food do you feed your turtles? A varied diet I hope. Your turtle should be OK with the proper care.
2007-03-20 19:45:06 · answer #2 · answered by know da stuff 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Sounds like the classic signs of a respitory infection. Ive lost two turtles to this and sometimes its unavoidable. U need a water heater set with the water temp around 72-78 degrees and u need a basking are with BOTH uvb and uva light with the basking area temperature being no less than the high 80's. If it is a RI then u need to raise all the temps a few degrees and hope for the best. Check out www.austinsturtlepage.com. It has helped me out over the years.
2007-03-21 07:08:24 · answer #3 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
If the water gets cold or the balance changes- he can stop eating. Two days is nothing to worry about for a turtle. They can go a week or two without any problem.
You could always try baby food (some will eat), small red or earth worms, as well as very small minnows.
2007-03-20 17:47:16 · answer #4 · answered by D 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
You should do some research on the web about your particular type of turtle, but many turtles in the wild hibernate in the winter. I have a painted turtle who eats like crazy all summer long, but I only feed him once a month or so in winter and he barely touches that. To get him to eat, I place him in a separate container of warm water (I also provide additional heat in the tank, cold-blooded animals generally cannot digest food if they are too cold, it can kill them to eat, food will just rot in stomach) with his food and give him a variety of veggies and fruit in addition to turtle pellets and dried shrimp. Painteds are omnivorous, but some turtles are carnivores; some are vegetarians. I used to have a north-american soft shell who loved hard-boiled eggs. Just make sure you are providing the correct conditions, UVA light, warmth if needed, correct water and dry land conditions (some turtle species need both), a variety of food and supplements if required etc. Know your turtle species and it's needs. I found much of my information on a google search, but was also lucky enough to spend a summer working at a wildlife rehab, so I got to ask some questions and had access to her large library of reference books. Good luck.
2007-03-21 04:53:46 · answer #5 · answered by Stefanie C 1 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Your description is a few distance too wide-unfold. on account which you do not comprehend what species that is, placed it back. you isn't waiting to look after it proper. additionally, if the shell is flaking that is a demonstration of ailment. On precise of all of that, many species of turtle are secure via regulation. it must be unlawful to maintain it. in case you prefer a puppy turtle, analyze a captive bred species and grant an suitable habitat. Wild animals are actually not meant to be pets.
2016-10-19 05:37:15 · answer #6 · answered by ? 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
my turtle doesnt eat in the winter prob cuz it hibernates? but i also think its because either the water is dirty or its not the right temp. so check those things
2007-03-20 18:17:16 · answer #7 · answered by Koby 1 · 0⤊ 0⤋
probly water is to cold... they will only eat in the water that is a must!!!!, also if they are in poor conditions he could be sick and not beable to eat
2007-03-21 17:27:36 · answer #8 · answered by brent f 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
hes full!
2007-03-20 17:37:33 · answer #9 · answered by jgmafb 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋