AH! Someone help me and give me suggestions? Most of the rocks in his tank are too big for him to swallow, but he found one and swallowed it. =/ I usually feed him in the afternoon, and I guess he was hungry now.
2007-09-03 07:28:23 · 4 answers · asked by Twiggy™ 2 in Pets ➔ Reptiles
Also, is this fatal? How bad is this? D:
2007-09-03 07:35:27 · update #1
He's not acting strangely really. He seems like nothing happened. I fed him now, so he still had his appetite. Hopefully, he's fine. =D
2007-09-03 07:40:11 · update #2
They do that alot. I've had sliders in an aquarium with gravel. I've put them in the tub before while I gave their aquarium a good cleaning. When I went to get 'em out of the tub, it was full of gravel. I did research and found that both turtles and crocodilians often eat small stones to aid in digestion. Somehow the rocks help grind up food in their stomach. I used to have a dwarf caiman, and he would swallow mouthfuls of aquarium gravel. As long as the rocks aren't too big, it shouldn't be a problem. But still watch for any signs of a problem, like not feeding or acting strangely. And I've stopped using gravel just because it makes it harder to keep the enclosure clean. I don't recommend the gravel, but I'm saying your turtle will be fine.
2007-09-03 07:36:14 · answer #1 · answered by madsnakeman 7 · 2⤊ 2⤋
This is why most experienced keepers reccomend maybe a few large river rocks tops. Anyway, one rock should pass, however you really should have a mostly bare bottom anyway since it's easier to clean and things like this won't happen. If it stops pooping and eating it has become impacted and will need expensive surgery from a herp vet.
This is a good setup, has submersible heater, two light fixtures, dock, filter, uvb bulb and heat bulb. Notice the mostly bare bottom..that is good. http://www.redearslider.com/forum/viewtopic.php?t=10322 Take the rocks out and wait to see if he passes it.
NO TURTLES SHOULD BE KEPT WITH GRAVEL. If you are doing that it will dirty your tank up insanely fast and kill your turtle when they eat it. Hopefully the first person to answer this has removed the gravel. Check up on your information and be sure to have the right setup (ten gallons per inch of shell etc).
You're not gonna see strange behavior right away. Remove the rocks, correct your setup, and wait for him to pass it. Then remove it once he's passed it. Make sure you have the right supplies first http://www.redearslider.com/startup.html
Turtles can fill their stomachs with gravel and have no room for food. I've known people to spend hundreds of dollars on surgery that didn't work. It's a sorry lesson. Don't be like that guy, don't use small pebbles or gravel.
2007-09-03 14:37:19 · answer #2 · answered by Adam 5 · 3⤊ 2⤋
i agree with not using gravel. yea it looks pretty but i wouldnt want mine to eat it.
people have different opinions and whatever you choose is up to you. but i think its better to be safe then sorry and next time put larger stones in if you feel the need to put them in.
my tanks do not have gravel and maybe a few stones that are way too large for the turtle to swallow
2007-09-03 15:47:51 · answer #3 · answered by Ajaxnl 5 · 1⤊ 2⤋
Never use loose gravel with turtles! Yes, he could very well die if he becomes impacted--I work for a vet and I've seen it. Clean out his tank immediately and watch his poop closely. If you find the piece of gravel, you will be very lucky. If not, and he gets sick or stops eating, he'll need surgery--something very few people opt for.
http://www.austinsturtlepage.com/Care/caresheet-red_ear_slider.htm
2007-09-03 14:47:26 · answer #4 · answered by KimbeeJ 7 · 1⤊ 3⤋