General Care Discussion :: Fanning - observation questions

[sjreinman]

So tonight, my hubby and I thought our turtle was dying! It was GROSS!

He's 10 years old (small for his age - maybe 5 inches) and has had the obviously male claws for a few years now. Anyhow, we experienced what I've come to understand from other posts is fanning. We're going to get him to vet, to verify that's what it was and that he's healthy, but have a couple of observation questions -

Will this happen often now? pattern? etc.
How long do they normally last?
Does it happen more often in the water? We had Lego out cleaning his tank when it occurred.
Will they expose themselves while being held? (I'm scared to death I'll see it or worse, feel it and drop him)

I'll of course get the medical information from an expert, but wanted to see what others have experienced.

[xfallwithmexo]

great questions. I have one too- does it start at a certain age? I've had my two males over a year and have never seen it.

[steve]

If it goes back in, then no need to take him to a vet. 5" is an OK size for a male RES.

Is there a pattern? Not really, they do it more when they first learn how. They usually do it when they have privacy. If they do it out of the water or when being held, then they are stressed out from the confinement.

[Diamondbacks4Life]

great questions. I have one too- does it start at a certain age? I've had my two males over a year and have never seen it.

Ive seen a little less then 4inches male do it before.

[sjreinman]

They usually do it when they have privacy. If they do it out of the water or when being held, then they are stressed out from the confinement.

Thanks! He was alone in his travel aquarium while were cleaning his big one and that may have stressed him a bit now that he's bigger. There are both factors mentioned. His walking was hilarious! You could tell it was awkward.

He's just lucky I didn't drop when I saw it - I started yelling for my hubby.

He was a fair turtle and I was given horrible information when I first got him. But, I learned quickly and provided him with a healthy and happy home. Now, he has part of my heart! We were in tears when we thought he might really be in bad shape.

[steve]

Glad he's OK