HELP! My turtle isn't eating! Is he going to die?

Question

I have a baby wood turtle. He's about 4-5 inches and I got him 4 days ago (thursday) and he's not eating anything. I tried giving him lettuce, turtle food and then carrots. It's been four days -i found him in the woods- and I'm getting really worried. I don't want him die, I'm really scared for him. I called a few pet smart's and they said he might like insects ( he lived in the woods) or it might be that he is stressed out. How do I make him less stressed out and what do I give him that he will definately eat? Please Please help.

and water also he wont drink it. Does the container in which I put the water in matter? Because he wont drink either. And he likes to hide under this log I bought him. Is it normal? Oh my god I'm going to cry. He won't die right?

Answer 1

OK I am a strong believer in wild turtles belong in the wild. Wild turtles can carry diseases and other illness's. If he is that stressed I would suggest setting him free. The sooner the better!

Turtles sometimes will not eat for a week when brought into a new environment. I have yet to meet a turtle that doesn't like to eat earthworms (Washed or purchased) and most will not turn down romaine lettuce...not iceberg (empty food only contains water)

Answer 2

Wild caught animals rarely do well in captivity.
In his little turtle mind, you are a predator and you intend to eat him. He's in shock. And, yes, he can die.

Also, wild caught reptiles can have parasites and other sicknesses. Usually, by the time a human gets them, they are too sick to survive.

Basically, the best thing to do is let him go. Find him some thick cover in the woods and leave him. It seems terrible, but chances are, he'll be just fine.

If you insist on keeping him, consider an outdoor pen. You can make one that's not really expensive, so he can have "the best of both worlds". (although, I don't think captivity is ever the best thing for wild animals.)
The sides need to be at least 2 feet high, and he needs lots of places to hide. Put it in a place where he will get direct sunlight, and shade.

If you're keeping him indoors, you need to get a broad spectrum UV light, AND a heater. The cage size needs to be about 3 feet square (the size of a coffee table). NOT an aquarium!

Are you sure it's a wood turtle? It's very important that you know exactly what you have. Turtle diets vary widely, and you can make them sick with incorrect diet.

Hold on, I'll get you some links.

Answer 3

Sometimes a wild caught turtle will become very stressed in captivity. If you want a turtle, you should buy one from a breeder. This way you will know that it is healthy and eating well.

What kind of turtle is this? I'm not sure what you mean by "wood" turtle. Is it a water or land turtle? They have very different needs. They need a heat basking bulb, UVB lighting (NOT the kind for plants--that is not correct--they need reptile UVB), etc. Maybe search this site and see what you can find. A trip to the vet for a health check and parasite check is needed. Turtles/tortoises won't eat if temperatures, housing, lighting, and diet aren't all correct. You may need to let him go before he gets sick and dies.

http://www.austinsturtlepage.com/Care/caresheet-red_ear_slider.htm

This site also has other species of turtle/tortoise care. Try to send a picture of the turtle so we can help better.

Answer 4

If you REALLY have a baby Wood turtle, Glyptemys insculpta, (which I sort of doubt) you should release it, as they are protected in nearly every state which they occur.

You should figure out what you have, and read some care books instead of asking here. As far as food goes, lettuce, turtle food, and carrots probably won't cut it. Try earthworms.

Answer 5

Hiding under his log is completely normal, and it is not unusual for a reptile to not eat as he adjusts to new surroundings. Try giving him some worms, Pet Smart carries a nice variety. He will be more enticed by moving prey. Keep offering him fruit and veggies about every other day, but NOT lettuce. It has the nutritional value of an ice cube!!!
Turtles are attracted to bright colors, try strawberries or tomatoes occasionaly. Also, try to feed him dark green leafy vegetables (except Spinach which contains an enzyme that blocks calcium absorption.) Turtles require a lot of calcium for proper shell development. They also need a UV light source, UV bulbs are often expensive, a plant light bulb will provide UV as well. A shallow water dish will provide him a place to bathe as well as water to drink.

Answer 6

i think your turtle might just be scared and just has to get used to the new enviroment. when i first got my turtle they didnt eat for at most a week before they got used to everything. just try not to bother or disturb him. if there is a loud stereo or tv near by you should prob move him and that will help. if he doesnt eat anything for the next few days (3-5) I would set him free. also try feeding meat, crickets, worms, dried shrimp. stuff like that

Answer 7

well turtles hiding under things is a normal thing my turtles do it and they haven't kicked the bucket they are just trying to find a dark place that they feel safe in . and as for the loss of apatite i have no idea i just know turtles eat turtle food from the pet store

Answer 8

Have you seen him eat at all yet? And what kind of environment do you have him in? I've been taking care of turtles for about 5 or 6 years now.

Answer 9

i would be worried.in my opinion he should stay in the woods where he belongs.and get a turte from a pet shop,that is used to captivity.i hope this helps.

Answer 10

if you found him in the woods, it's better if you release him.