General Care Discussion :: Death :(

[cdonnelly1978]

Hi-
I was on here last year to get help for my lethargic turtle last year, Nitro (she became so much better after I posted here last year). I just went to go feed her and I noticed she wasn't coming up for her food. She's dead! She is 11 years old. I am feeling so awful like maybe I did something that killed her. I feel awful that I didn't get to see her "alive" one last time and that my last time with her she is dead. She was laying on the bottom of her tank and looked like she was sleeping. She was active last night and basking so I'm just at a loss. I don't remember if I saw her active when I got home tonight....I'm feeling terrible and guilty. Her wants of food was abnormal this week (it happened from time to time) and it started to pollute her tank. I was going to clean it tomorrow! I noticed a white sorta film on the corner of her tank. Could this have been what killed her? Or a heart attack? She looked peaceful where she was. Did she struggle and I paid no mind to it? I don't know, I was tutoring a friend tonight for their math final.

My second question is.....what do I do with her? She was my favorite. A part of me would like to cremate her (is that weird for a turtle?). I have my cat, he died at 22 yrs old and would like to give her the right farewell as she was always sweet and endearing to me. Anyone who came over was in awe of her size and how cute she was (she was a big girl, not fat just big). I live in a condo.....should I leave her submerged in the water until tomorrow morning? Should I take her out and put her in a box? I cannot put her outside as someone would do something to her. I really don't know what to do, I never thought this day would come for at least 9 more years. Please send advice ASAP!!

Bye Nitro......

[MoreBloodWine]

Sorry to hear she died, she may have gotten sick or possibly even frowned somehow. Also, I wouldnt know how to tell the difference myself but do you think she maybe could have slipped into a hibernative state ? If she is dead theres not alot you can do. If you would like to keep a part of here that is possible but involves some foul smells and well to be blunt rot. By that I just mean you could let her decay in the yard somewhere and let the ants etc clean here out to the point of where you have a clean shell. I find them sometimes in the wild.

[Swaypippin]

I don't know what to tell you to do as far as burying her or not. I too have more than one of my beloved pets cremated. But as for what to do with the turtle while you decide, I'd put her in a box and put her in the freezer to keep her from smelling

[megcornell]

I'm so sorry for you loss, I can't even imagine losing a turtle, I'm sure you gave her a wonderful 11 years. Unfortunately you don't always get the closure of knowing why your pet passed, but at least you know you gave her a wonderful life. Please don't feel guilty, we do our best for our turtles but sometimes awful things happen nonetheless.
As for what to do with her remains, it's really all about what feels right to you. Some people bury their turtles, some preserve the shells, some get them cremated, it's all up to you. I'm sure whatever you choose will be fitting for Nitro.
If you do choose cremation, you could discuss getting a necropsy (animal autopsy) with the vet first, that could shed some light on what happened.

[cdonnelly1978]

she is definitely not hibernating, she was in rigor already and had that white stuff coming out of her nose. i had a dream after i went to bed that she came back to life (wishful thinking). i put her in a box for now and put her outside in the cold on my fire escape. i like the idea of keeping her shell but i don't think that is possible for me. thanks for understanding.

[MoreBloodWine]

I wouldnt say keeping her shell is impossible, you would just have to get a bit creative with how to "preserve" it giving your living situation. Maybe a friend who owns their own home could let you use a corner of their yard for your needs. Theres more than one way to preserve a shell I only mention the way I mentioned because thats all I've ever known.

[SpotsMama]

I'm so sorry to hear of your loss. Take comfort in knowing that you gave her 11 good years.

[WendyByTheBay]

so sorry :**(

[cdonnelly1978]

I appreciate it. I had her cremated. She'll be home in two weeks. It's just very sad and weird. I drained and emptied her tank yesterday. Her happy face was the first thing I saw when I came home each day (her tank is next to the door) and her light was the first thing that went on each day. Her tank is just sitting there empty. The table I do my work at faces her tank....I never realized how often I used to watch her. I just can't believe she's gone What a difference a weekend can make. I miss her. Give your turtles a little treat tonight and some extra attention. Thanks for your thoughts.

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[jawsspeedymrt]

I'm so sorry for your loss . I know you might not be ready yet, but after my own JJ died, I adopted speedy, who is now a loved member of our family.

[TurtleLover_S&B]

I'm sorry for your loss.I'm sure you took great care of her for a great 11 years. I don't know what caused her loss.It could've just have been age.I'm sorry for your loss.

[christu]

I'm so sorry to hear of the tragedy. It has horrified me. I'm a new turtle owner, if 7 months is new, and my turtle has been acting strange, sleeping alot, etc, so it has made me more cautious after reading this.

[myboyblue]

Man that sucks. Condolences. I also just rescued my res solo a few months ago and we all love him like family now.

When your ready get yourself another little hatchling and let him roam the waters in the tank of the late great Nitro.

Good luck friend

[cdonnelly1978]

I have a 2nd turtle, they sorta grew up together. Nitro (6+ pounds), who died, was a female and Tower is a much much smaller male. They used to live together until they were about 4 and he became hormonal. He was caught two times with his jaw around her neck (aside from the constant harassing he did to her and chasing her around the tank). That was when I separated them into two tanks, but she just kept on growing. So they have lived alone for the past 7 or so years though they have seen each other from time to time when they were out of their tank or whatever. Tower (yes it's American Gladiator themed) is not that friendly and a bit volatile. He's actually just a nasty thing. Nitro didn't let anything bother her. I could give her nose kisses and head/neck rubs. Tower will try to bite you know matter what you do. But anyway, he's moving into Nitro's big tank later this week when it's done airing out. It won't be the same. I just wish I knew what Nitro died from/how/what hour of the day/was I there and didn't see it and could have done something? I thought RES live to 20 yrs old so dying at 11 has really thrown me off guard.

[marisa]

I'm very sorry to hear you lost Nitro.