General Care Discussion :: RES biting it's hand!

[vivian89]

ok so one of my res always bites both of it's hand(like the top of it's hand)
so why does it do that is it because it's teeth are growing or wat is it?
Also now it's hand is starting to get all red and all any suggestion and i don't really want to take it to the vet if possible
ANY COMMENT WILL HELP!
THX!!!!!

[blackforce247]

well maybe it thinks that its hand its food. did you put something on its hand or something? maybe theres some stuck on food and its trying to eat but it just cant find it you know. try washing the hand it was pecking at and see if theres any difference. do not use soap because it has bacteria that damages the skin and shell so try washing it with a small piece of paper or something and scrub it a little

[vivian89]

NO NOT REALLY WHENEVER IT SWIMS SOMETIMES IT WOULD JUST BITE IT MAYBE IT'S BECAUSE OF THE WATER?BUT MY WATER IN THE TANK IS CLEAN AND I PUT CONDITIONER IN IT TOO

[blackforce247]

ive never seen this before. i doubt its the water since theres water in the tank since its been there. try and get some searches on why this happens maybe checking on what times of the week and what days it does it might tell you whats up. i doubt its the conditioner because i use conditioner for my turtles. depending on what type it is i dont really know what to tell you

[Chrisbarnett]

Red Ear Sliders don't have teeth, they are called beaks.

My turtle will scratch his face to re-arrange a piece of lettuce before swallowing it, but never biting his own legs.

You said it was red now, I would recommend taking it to a vet. You said you would want to avoid it, but if something is questionable it is best to get it checked out. What's more important to you, Worrying about your turtle, or going, paying the money and having your mind at ease.

You could try a Sulfa dip, However I'm not sure that would really help.

[Nettle]

It could have an irritation or infection on its hand and it itches or hurts. I'd have a vet take a look at it before it becomes a serious problem.

[feng]

Do update on what is the cause of it when u take ur res to see vet because, I've also seen my terrapin doing such things before. However, the hands arent red (think my terrapin don bite them often).

Thanks

[marisa]

Skip the sulfa dip.

What is your RES's diet like?

[grey goose]

If the skin is not swollen or irritated I wouldn't worry too much about it....Beaker used to do the same thing when she was younger, just nipping at her paws and lower arms.