Ok I have a box turtle (one of my hatchlings) it is 12 yrs old I've noticed it's been spending more time in its water but today he has been in the water most of the day. I've changed the water and even took him and other one out and soaked them while I was cleaning up the enclosure he immediately went right in water I've taken him out several times throughout the day only to have him go right back in the water. I don't see any signs of him being sick and he has been eating I've never had a box turtle do this before. Don't know if anyone has and can maybe help me out as to what may be going on?
Box turtle acting weird sitting in water all day
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RE: Box turtle sitting in water all day acting weird
I had a baby box turtle sit in water all day a couple of days before he died. In my case, the baby was sleeping on a heating pad and i had no idea he was dehydrating. A couple of days of that, he basically cooked to death. Don't know what your boxie is doing, but I'd check if he's not getting enough shade, water, or if he's distressed in some way. Then, correct the problem. Check if his enclosure is too dry.
I had a baby box turtle sit in water all day a couple of days before he died. In my case, the baby was sleeping on a heating pad and i had no idea he was dehydrating. A couple of days of that, he basically cooked to death. Don't know what your boxie is doing, but I'd check if he's not getting enough shade, water, or if he's distressed in some way. Then, correct the problem. Check if his enclosure is too dry.
This is what box turtles do when they aren't feeling well. Is there any chance he has worms? Warm him up, that usually helps. 85F degrees or so.
Box turtles will sit in the water, they love water, it's not only when they are feeling bad either. They are semi aquatic turtles and I've had some soak for days, 3 toed box turtles like water more then most from what I seen. My female 3 toed will sit in the water and dunk her head and swim around. As long as your guys eating and not losing weight I wouldn't worry. He eventually will leave and might not go back for awhile, then will spends days in the water again. Box turtles have weird behaviors
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tee66 said:
If you've had this turtle 12 years and never seen this before then I'd investigate what's changed over the last few months.. have you added another turtle (is it the sole turtle you have in the enclosure?) are you sure you have a male and not an egg bound female? Have you caught it penis-fanning in the water.. did you hibernate him and recently wake him up.. do you regularly change your UV bulb/perhaps it's just a useless light source now? does he get time to bask in unfiltered sunlight?? Start with what's changed.. he's reacting to that more than likely
Thank you I will let everyone know how he is doing. I've had box turtles/ tortoises for many yrs and never had one sit in the water this long they will go in drink and do their business but never hang out for more than an hour.
i've seen this behavior run the range in my turtles. sometimes it's just nothing and sometimes its indicative of illness. warming up your little guy will help if it's an illness. you may also want to warm soak him for a few days. i'd give it 2 - 3 days and then be off to the bet. fingers crossed!
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