Do Box turtles lay there head out when sleeping?

Question

I walked into my room and looked at my box turtle, it appeared to be dead but then I tapped on the glass and it woke up, its head was all layed out on the rocks instead of in it's shell, is my turtle ok?

Answer 1

Maybe, maybe not. Turtles normally don't keep their heads outside the shell if they aren't active, because it would be too easy for a predator to attack them. I have seen aquatic turtles do this though when they're basking. So I guess it would depend on the tank conditions which situation you have.

Does the turtle have a UVB basking light and was this where you found him? Is the temperature warm enough, and is he eating? If the answer to all these is yes, there might not be a problem, he just may feel there's no threat to him in the tank. If the answer to any of the three is no, you probably have a sick turtle. You can see this website for the temperatures and health disorders for turtles: http://www.austinsturtlepage.com/ There's also a vet listing by state of vets that will work with turtles and tortoises.

I'd also suggest posting this question in the reptile forum - this is the fish forum, but I've answered questions in both.

Answer 2

it is fine they do both