General Care Discussion :: Suddenly seems very scared of everything

[janemargo]

My big girl, Darla, who is about 8 and has always been friendly and interactive is now very scared of everyone and any movement. She scurreis to hide in the corner and doesn't come get her food and treats any more. There's been no change to her home at all. She's been like this for a couple months, and doessn't seem to be losing weight or doesn't look sick. Her personality just changed. She's never seemed to like her husbannd, Alphalpha, much. He's acting the same as always, very interactive. What could have happened to make her change so much?

[emma]

Alphalpha is another turtle that lives with her? What kind of tank are you keeping them in? How many gallons?

[marisa]

Welcome to the forum. What size tank do you have them in and how big are they (shell lengths of each not including the curve of the shell)?

Have you noticed any bullying by Alphalpha? Does he harass her in an effort to mate? Have you noticed any wounds/bite marks on the legs or neck?

Does she swim with her tail tucked in? To me, this indicates that something is bothering a turtle. Perhaps she's being stressed by being with the male.

If she won't eat (but she must be eating something if she's not losing weight), you might try taking the male out of the tank while you feed her so there's no competition for food.