Reptile & Amphibian Forums

I've had my first soft shell for about a month, and while I know that they are not good beginner turtles I have done my research and am hoping to take good care of him. My question is this, I moved my turtle to a new location and I think in the transit he may have ingested some of the substrate. When I fed him before the move he'd get very excited about the worm and swallow it right down, now he acts interested but laborously attempts to swallow and ends up spitting it back out. Then he loses interest. I was wondering if you think it is just the stress of the move? Or if perhaps he's gone and eaten a small pebble or some sand that is causing this problem? He has a hidey hole, and was up until the move happy as a little turtle can be.....I feel just awful when he doesn't feel well so any advice would be much appreciated!!! Thank you.

well i'd keep trying to feed him for the next few days.
i'd try different foods.
then if he still doesn't eat stravehim for three days and the offer severla foods at once.
if still no good its time to check for poop.
remove the substrate and look to see if he defecates 9on second thought you may want to do this immediately especially if your substrate constains any gravel)

in future no gravel
sand or soil or nothing.

tyr to see if he defecates, if he does there' probably no impaction.
check the temperatures also.

start looking for a vet (now) in advance as if he needs one, you may find it hard to get a good local reptile vet.