General Care Discussion :: What are signs of Impatcion??O+O

[Ericj418]

I have my little Turtle in a tank with fish gravel O_O i didn't know about impactions, my I've never seen that problem before in my older turtles and maybe it's because i've never used gravel for my tank. But i'm suspecting my res, Turtle, to have swallowed a stone cause i don't see any poop any where in the tank. I am very scared :-; are there any indications like odd behavior patterns to show he has swallowed a stone?

[megcornell]

First, have you removed the gravel? If not, do that ASAP. If your turtle hasn't eaten gravel yet, the longer he's exposed to it, the better the chance that he will.
As for possible impaction, is he still eating? Usually impacted turtles don't eat because they can't pass their bowels. Fish gravel is pretty small so hopefully if he did eat any it will pass- keep an eye out for pebbles on the bottom of the tank and scoop them out before he can re-eat them.
If you notice him getting lethargic, not eating, and not pooping then the only sure way to determine if he's impacted is to get an xray at a vet's office.

[Bascomb]

One other thing -- They will eat their own poop. I would suggest that you put him in a small tank and feed him. If he will not eat in a small tank, put him in one just after you feed him and keep the water temp at about 80 until you can get a handle on this. They dooo better in warmer water.

[Ericj418]

Thanks for all the info! turtle apparently did not eat any gravel. And lol i just witnessed him eating his own poo >_<! but yeah he's fine now i have him in a mini tank right now, i'm going to keep him in the mini tank for the weekend till i get him some suitable river stones

[megcornell]

He will be fine in a bare-bottom tank, you can put him in the gravel-less aquarium.

[marisa]

You could put a few smooth stones in that are larger than his head. He'll have something to look at and push around, but he won't be able to eat them.

[BATMANandROBIN]

you can get a huge bag of "natural" stones at walmart in the garden section the only thing is that they come with dirt too so you have to wash them first.