Urgent Care :: "TurtleNeck" - Help

[MiCHA3LANG3L0]

Is my turtle supposed to have a "turtle neck" thing going on. Like his neck is all scrunched up? I don't know if he's being overfed or what.

Help, please?

[marisa]

Welcome. I have to say I'm having a little difficulty understanding what you mean...Turtles do have a looser roll of skin that disappears when they extend their necks fully out of their shells. Is this what you're talking about?

Did you just get your turtle? How big is your turtle (shell length without the curve)?

What kind of set-up is he in---tank size, water level, water temp, etc. Does he have a basking area? UVB and heat light? Filter? Water heater?

I don't know if you're turtle is being overfed unless you describe what you're feeding him, how much you feed him and how often you feed him.

If you think there's something abnormal with your turtle's appearance, it would be good to post a picture of what you're concerned about.

[MiCHA3LANG3L0]

Yes, my turtle does have a lot of skin around his neck and I was wondering if I was overfeeding him. Here are the details.

How big is your turtle? 5 in.
How long have you had it? 3 years in jan.

What is the water temperature? 76 f.
Did you use a thermometer? yes
Are you using a water heater? no
How much water is in there? 4 in.
Are you using a water conditioner? no
Are you using any filtration? no

Is there a UVB light? no

What have you been trying to feed it? ReptoMin - every other day
When was the last time your turtle ate? today

How big is the tank/pond/enclosure? 20gal
Is the tank near a window? no
Is the tank in a room with a lot of activity? yes

[marisa]

Does your turtle have difficulty pulling his neck, arms and legs into his shell? Does " fatty excess" seem to be hanging out around his neck and limbs when they are in his shell? These would be signs of being overweight.

How many Reptomin pellets does your turtle get at a feeding (a good guide is to give an amount no more than would fit into his head (not neck) if it were hollow)? Feeding a variety of foods, including veggies and aquatic plants, would be much healthier for him.

A 20-gallon tank is really to small for a 5-inch turtle. And a water level of 4 inches is way too low---they're good swimmers and need a lot of water. Unless you're living in a warm climate where he can get unfiltered sunlight, he needs a UVB light. A filter would help keep up the water quality. You can maintain a steady water temp of 76F without a water heater? What's the basking area temp?

It would be good to do some reading about the basics that your turtle needs to be healthy.

If you're turtle isn't overweight, without a pic, it's really hard to know what (and if) your turtle has a problem...

[Blue Flamingo]

I think i know what you are talking about does it look like this?? He's not pulling his head in all the way but if he was you would just see the tip of his nose.

http://i113.photobucket.com/albums/n202 ... MG1725.jpg
http://i113.photobucket.com/albums/n202 ... MG1724.jpg

If this is what your turtle is doing then it's normal and nothing to worry about. If it cant tuck its head and arms to its body then you have a fat liitle turtle and he needs to go onto a diet.

I also do agree with Marisa, you definitly are in need of a up grade. If you cant afford a new tank right now I would go with a rubber made tube, they are cheap and you can get them just about any where, for the UV light your just gonna have to get it, no way around that one really, but for the clamp lamp you can pick one up at Lowes or HomeDepot for like five bucks which can handle 60 to 75 watts. Heaters are like 20 bucks or less depending on the brand. Filters can run pretty high but they are worth it!!! Good luck