Reptile & Amphibian Forums

I have two problems... I recently bought two eastern box turtles, one male and one female, from a store in California. They told me that these turtles were wild-caught. The turtles were shipped to me overnight, and when I got them the next day everything seemed fine. The female is doing extremely well, but the male was vomitting. The first time he vomitted (the first day I got him) was after he came out of the water dish from getting a drink. The next (and last) time he vomitted was while he was in the water. Both times he vomitted up mealworms. He won't eat anything, and I know it has only been a couple days, but he's also trying to hibernate. What should I do about the vomitting? Is it due to stress from being shipped in the cold? And is there any way I can stop him from hibernating? I am worried that he may be seriously sick, and I know that's dangerous for hibernating. If I shouldn't stop him from hibernating, is there any advice you have for his hibernation... like what precautions should I take? I really need help. I have looked on most of the popular sites and have found nothing about vomitting. I have found some info on hibernation, but I'm not sure if it's okay for him to be doing that. Please HELP!!!

Keep him warm and soak in warm water for 20-30 minutes. Keep adding a little warm water so that it won't cool down too much. But don't use hot water. What temps are you keeping him at? Does he have a uva/b light? Meal worms can be hard t digest because the outer case is made up of a material that is hard for the turtle to break down. Try small red worms, cut up earthworms, and/or freshly motled superworms. Keep dark leafy greens handy at all times.

Does he have any other symtoms? Is his nose runny? How do his eyes look? Is he making any other sounds like wheezing?

You will need to get him to a vet as most wild caught turtles have worms. But definityly keep him warm and well hydrated until you can get him in.

I agree, the vet. And contact that petstore about the usual sick animal policies ect.

I"d say that trying to hibernate and acting lethargic because sick, may look pretty similar. Because of the vomiting, this is likely the latter.

Good luck, and let us know how the DVM visit works out

Ian

Do not hibernate him this winter. Keep him at summer time temps and humidity. That is the way to stop box turtles from hibernating. Also have UVB and UVA bulbs on for 14 hours a day.

Since you are not expereinced enough to make a call on whether the male turtle is sick or not, please seek the advice of a vet. I cannot tell you over the Internet if the turtle is sick. He sure doesn't sound well. He is regurgitating his food and that is not a good sign. Keep him well hydrated by soaking him several times a days in tepid water. Look for worms in the water and if you see any take them to the vet as well. (put int zip lock baggie.) Make an appointment today
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Tess
Kingsnake.com Forum Host

“ the male was vomiting. The first time he vomited (the first day I got him) was after he came out of the water dish from getting a drink. The next (and last) time he vomited was while he was in the water. Both times he vomited up mealworms. He won't eat anything, and I know it has only been a couple days, but he's also trying to hibernate. What should I do about the vomiting? Is it due to stress from being shipped in the cold? And is there any way I can stop him from hibernating? I am worried that he may be seriously sick, and I know that's dangerous for hibernating. If I shouldn't stop him from hibernating, is there any advice you have for his hibernation...”

While vomiting is rare in Box turtles; the most common cause is cold temperatures after eating. Keep this boxie warm and hydrated.

Regarding hibernating...He can’t be allowed to hibernate unless his gut is empty as the undigested food will spoil and cause bacterial infection....And he must be in good health to allow him to hibernate. Since he is vomiting there obviously has been food recently in his gut.....and he is sick. So he’s not a candidate for hibernation. Keep him on 14 hours of light along with the above advice to deter him from hibernating.

Chronic vomiting is a very serious condition with boxies that warrants him seeing a vet.... pronto.
Keep us posted.

Ric