General Care Discussion :: Cleaning

[industrial_girl_2000]

Correct me if I am wrong, but with those long front nails & extra large tail, it looks like you have a BOY turtle!

Welcome to the forum!

[emma]

Oh wow, I just noticed that too. Would be pretty long nailf for a female.

[larqw]

Okay, thank you Mikee

[Bumby's Mom]

My adult painted feels that way. I bought her a bubble wall and air pump (it is being shipped) and I am going to see if that helps any. The water will get a slimey look and feel also. I do a complete water change each month. My babies tank has crystal clear water but it wasn't that clear until I got the bubbler so hopefully the bubbler will work as good in the bigger tank.

[larqw]

Hahaha I know it's a boy turtle! I just found out a couple weeks ago...I've had it for 6 years now, so it's hard for me to call Toutolina a boy! hahaha I'm guilty

Seriously though, can these turtles become constipated? The only mess in her tank is from left over food. And after eating, I see it trying to do it's thing and a LONG BLACK THING comes out but goes right back in. Only a tiny amount of poo comes out. I'm WORRIED!!

[marisa]

The long, black thing coming out is your turtle's penis (absolute proof you have a male). It's called fanning and males do it occasionally as a matter of course. As long as it goes right back in, it's OK. I'm wondering, though, if he does it absolutely every time he poops. Does he?

As you sure he's not eating his poop?

Turtles can become constipated, and often indicate this by kicking at their butts/tails with their hind legs. Is your turtle doing this that you've noticed?

[larqw]

It does kick...and I haven't seen him "fan" recently. I have seen him eat his poo...pretty disgusting. I usually feed him so he will stop that. What can I do about the possible constipation?

[marisa]

You could put him in a container of water that's a few degrees warmer than his tank water. The added warmth relaxes their insides and should help him eliminate.

OT, but I have to ask---where are you in CT?

[larqw]

Oh alright, I'll do that, thanks.

I live in Stamford, CT.

[marisa]

You could do this when you feed him (feed him in a separate container of water with the water a little warmer than normal). Some turtles are more apt to poop right after they've eaten. If you wait 15-20 minutes and nothing happens, try it again another time (don't just keep trying to make the water warmer).

Other side of the state.

[larqw]

Oh okay, thanks Marisa

[mikee]

largw -- The warm water for constipation is a good idea. Please try that first. If that fails here is a suggestion that I have used. I only use this if they just can not evacuate (poop). Start off with a pellet that is dipped in mineral oil. Just use half of a pellet. Keep an eye on him and if that doesn't work, soak a whole one in mineral oil and keep an eye on that. Mineral oil cannot be digested and slicks up the innards and they poop. Do not over do it as they may poop too much and cause them harm.

[larqw]

Oh okay, thanks Mikee. How about fish oil? Can that work too?

[mikee]

largw -- In my experience, fish oil is digestible and will not pass through very well. What you want is a non-digestible lubricant that will pass through. Make sure that he is constipated before you go down this road. Use the mineral oil sparingly as you want a good poo and that’s all. You can over do it. Good Luck!!

[larqw]

Thanks!