Reptile & Amphibian Forums

We just got 2 baby box turtles in the mail today, but one seems unwell,He's spunky and eating. But he walks around in circles, was it from being shipped for 48 hours?

Thanks, Kayla

I hate to say this, but he may be blind in one eye - you should check for sure - maybe with a pencil flashlight, or put your finger close to his head and see if he runs into it. A vet would probably know for sure. Being blind in one eye, won’t prohibit his from having a normal life, especially since he is in captivity. I can not really think of any other test to tell for sure. Maybe other would have suggestions.

Bill G.

Does he walk in a tight circle, over and over? Does he do it all the time? Are the circles just following the tank? Will he stop to drink water or soak and hide or is it constant? Let us know if it continues for more then a few days. As you suggested, it might just be from stress. If it does for longer however he could have some kind of neurological condition or other physical problem. We won't be able to help with that and a vet visit would be in order.

Tess
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Tess
Kingsnake.com Forum Host

Hi Tess,

In response to your questions, he does walk in tight circles but he can walk straight also. It's not following the tank. He does circles in either direction. His tail is curled under his body instead of being straight out (I forgot to mention this before). He seems to bob his head oddly. I tried to check his eyes and I think he may be blind in one eye, but I'm really not sure. He definitely does seem to see out of one eye, though. He does drink water and hide. He ate 3 small crickets yesterday, but we held the cricket. He didn't catch it himself.

Walking with his head turned a little up could mean that he is blind also. I have an adult male Hermanns that is blind in one eye that always walks with his head turned up a little bit - he gets along just fine. The curled tail indicates that it did not develop correctly - one reason or another. And the curled tail doesn't mean that it will change the way it lives either.

Bill G.

Walking with his head turned a little up could mean that he is blind also. I have an adult male Hermanns that is blind in one eye that always walks with his head turned up a little bit - he gets along just fine. The curled tail indicates that it did not develop correctly - one reason or another. And the curled tail doesn't mean that it will change the way it lives either. If it has the turned tail when it is an adult, it may have problems breeding or laying eggs - its really anybody's guess.

Bill G.

It doesn't sound like severe brain damage, if that is even what he has. As some people have said, he could be blind in one eye and as you know, since their eyes are on the sides of their heads that may make it hard for him to walk straight. I think if he is blind he will compensate for it as he get older.

Continue to hand feed him till he become better at catching his own food. He will learn in time but during this critical growing time you don't want him to miss out on any opportunity to eat Good luck to you and to him!
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Tess
Kingsnake.com Forum Host