Reptile & Amphibian Forums

I just recently became an owner of a 3 1/2 year old Russian Tort. I've done my homework and things are going very well. The only problem is I can't find anything on the truth behind what I've heard about a turtle or tortoise that ends up on his back. I've heard that he/she will more or less die if he/she doesn't flip itself back over...is there any truth to this?

russianrojas

Yep, but I think it would be the exception not the rule. Most turtles can flip themselves over. Many tortoises can also but sometimes it depend on the angle and surroundings. If I put a leopard tortoise with its high domed shell flat on its back in the sand it probably wouldn't be able to turn over and would dehydrate over time.

Tortoises with flatter shells such as pancake are very agile and able to flip them self. I think russian torts are inbetween.

I find that my tortoises actually help each other when one gets flipped over. I'm not sure if it is on purpose or by chance but they usually end up pushing the flipped animal enough for it to get a foot hold on something.

Having things like firm substrate, hides, plants, etc. all help them right themselves if needed.

I sometimes worry about are having a hatchling flip under the heat light, or a sparing pair of adults flip one another outside on a hot day 95F , but I've never had an animal actually get hurt either way.

jbly

>>I just recently became an owner of a 3 1/2 year old Russian Tort. I've done my homework and things are going very well. The only problem is I can't find anything on the truth behind what I've heard about a turtle or tortoise that ends up on his back. I've heard that he/she will more or less die if he/she doesn't flip itself back over...is there any truth to this?
>>
>>russianrojas