General Care Discussion :: RES tail is curved?

[joem1481]

I have a baby RES and his tail is curled to the side. It is not like pointed to the side it is actually curles like a pig tail. Kind of weird. Is this a big deal has anyone else had a turtle like this. I know if they fall on their backs they use it to get up so in that sense i guess it would be bad.

[marisa]

They do not use their tails to right themselves if they're on their backs (the tail may help to balance if in the water, though). They mainly use their heads if they're on land.

I have a painted turtle that was a preemie and came out of the nest with a kinked tail (half of it was bent to one side like it was a broken twig). The tail straightened out as the turtle grew and now looks normal.

[joem1481]

oh ok great thanks alot. I am glad it is not serious