turtle basking with head laying flat on rock?

Question

My red-eared slider has recently started basking with his head laying out on his rock instead of pulled in. He's only started doing this fairly recently, and it kind of looks like he's dead when he does it. Is this normal, or might he be sick or something? He still has a really big appetite and moves around quite a bit.

Answer 1

I also have red eared sliders. Mine are just 9 months old and they spread their feet every time they sun bask. Their little heads stick out as far as they can reach. This is just to get warm and dry. Who wouldnt want to sun bath while there is nothing else to do but swim and eat? No prob. Plus, at Feeders Supply, i saw a water turtle sleepling with his head right on the rock. Can you say lazy?

Answer 2

Then your turtle might be sick maybe you should visit the vet
I have a red-eared slider it was hibernating but they don't hibernate with their head sticking out (it woke up though)
either that or it just likes basking with it's head out

Answer 3

Both of my RES bask with their heads out, but they are lifted, not laying on the rock. Your turtle may be sick. I would contact a vet who specializes in reptiles and ask them.

Answer 4

My two turtles and my three russian tortoises all do this, especially in the morning.

They're trying to warm up so they can get moving, as their body temp reflects the room temp.

Its ok, but if you notice restlessness, not eating, bubbles out of his nose, etc get vet help. It could be bad

Answer 5

Head stretched out and limbs all floppy is called the 'sun worship' position. Think of it as the turtle equivalent of sunbathing.

Perfectly natural!

Answer 6

sleepy turtle