General Care Discussion :: Turtle Attacking Himself

[Arisu]

Not really, but hes biting his arm. Its not really a powerful bite either, more like a nibble? I've seen him do this before. Does any body else's turtle do this? I'm supposed to be doing my papers but this is more important! WHAT IS HE DOING?

[johnQguy]

I've never seen any of my turtles bite themselves. :-/

[sliderz_rock]

Maybe he just just started shedding and is trying to help the loose skin come off. Or maybe he's just itchy. I'm not too sure.

[Daniel3507]

its just shedding skin

[AerianaEve]

Sometime it also mean your turtle is bored. Try moving out the decorations in the tank, plopping a ping-pong ball in there, or taking your turtle out for some good ol'fashioned (constantly supervised!) exploring. Speedy stopped biting herself after that. =)

[untsmurf]

My turtle does that from time to time. It usually is due to shedding skin. It might also just be an itch.

[SpotsMama]

Does he have things to keep him occupied in his tank? For stimulation, the ping pong ball is a good idea. Also, river rocks or other things on the bottom of the tank that he can push around and minnows for him to chase. I also think that having some with you would be great - for both of you!

[Arisu]

Phew! Shedding/itching were my initial thoughts too.

I would've never come up with the brilliant ping-pong ball idea. I'm gonna do it and I'm sure he'll get a kick outta it. I also have some river rocks in there but he only pushes it around when hes hungry and searching for food.

Thanks guys!

[yus99]

dunno but good luck

[PcBuilder14]

My turtle is really boring! He doesn't do anything! All he does is swim from one side if the tank to the other and bask.