General Care Discussion :: Do turtles stop eating during winter months?

[Kris]

Hello,

Its been about 2 weeks since my turtle stopped eating. He still basks quite frequently (and appears to be loving it!). He seldom goes into the water but does on occasion.

I am a bit worried because he hasn't eaten. I feed him the normal pellets, shrimp on occasion, veggies, etc. He won't touch anything.

Breathing appears fine and he doesn't breath open mouthed.

Should I be worried? Or is this normal. Please help.

Thanks in advance.

Kris

[Starchick]

What's his water temperature?

[Kris]

Water temp is at 78-80...thanks for the quick reply

[SpotsMama]

Are you sure he's not eating when you're not looking?

All that basking sounds like lethargy to me. Does he run and hide when he sees you or does he just sit there?

It doesn't sound normal to me. I'd get him to the vet.

[Kris]

Thanks for the advice. Ok, Im a bit worried now.

What's lethargy? He usually just sits there and doesn't hide. If I attempt to touch him he will then go into the water....

[SpotsMama]

Lethargy means tired and lacking energy and interest in anything. Is your turtle pretty small? Especially when they're little, the turtles tend to be very lively and skittish when someone gets to close. If he's not reacting in a strong way, then he's not typical.

[pumpkinsherbet]

i had that problem for the first week i had my turtles. it was an inadequate setup with a stubborn heater that didn't work and so not the proper lighting. the guy at petsmart said if their lighting and temps are low they will go into hybernation mode. once i got a new setup with the uv bulb and a working water heater, they stopped burrowing and became more active.

if everything seems to be okay it could be sick.

[rocketright]

Just wondering, how long have you had him in this tank?

[Pizza]

I concur that your turtle may be experiencing some illness, best to get it checked out by a vet, otherwise, yes I also think that if the water temperature isn't up to par, your turtle may be experiencing a mild form of hibernation (which is not necessary at all for a captive turtle).

[scripta_elegans]

I would also highly suggest taking the turtle to a herp vet. Lethergy and decreased appetite are signs of illness. Those were the two main symptoms my turtles had with RI.

[Kris]

The turtle is only about 3 inches in diameter. I have had the turtle for over a year and 1/2. He has been fine up until recently.

[rocketright]

Hmm, What are you keeping him in? I hope a 20 gallon aquarium atleast?

[SpotsMama]

I hope it all turns out fine. We're all pulling for you! Keep us posted.

[Kris]

Hi Everyone,

Just an update. Took Rocky to the vet and everything seems ok. Rocky is quite active when held and the Dr said not to worry. Key was because it has been cold to turn up the heat a bit (water temp was about 80 she suggested 85). I also checked the temp around the basking area and it was about 90 (so she said that is fine). Rocky does seem more active now that it is warmer. hopefully he'll start eating soon.

The vet also started picking off loose scutes. His shell almost looks brand new now!

Thanks for everyone's support. Keep you posted.

Kris

[SpotsMama]

Glad to hear little Rocky's doing well!