Reptile & Amphibian Forums

ok, I just got an asian turtle from Petco for my kid. I have a heat lamp, some shrubery, pellet flooring and a water dish. The turtle just took the leaves and burried himself with them on top of him. He never comes out of the shell and doesn't seem to be touching the food. Is this because of his new environment, is he in shock? Is there anyone that may help me....

Thanks.

First off, my guess would be that this turtle is a wild caught animal. The problem with many wild caught asian turtles is possibility of a significant parasitic load they may carry. My first suggestion is to take your animal to a qualified turtle veterinarian. Do you know what kind of asian turtle you have? The reason I ask is asian turtles can vary greatly in the type of enclosure they need.

Steve

Steve,

The turtle was purchased from Petco, unfortunately it just said "Asian Box Turtle" on the cage so I don't know in particular what type it is but I do know it has yellow stripes that run on the sides on the head, a brown turtle shell and thick green legs.

Steve,

After doing some more research and looking at various different pictures it appears to me to be a Malayan Box Turtle and apparently it looks like it needs water to swim in which I don't have a tank for. Hmmmm....Should I take it to a vet just in case to get it a Check up?

>>apparently it looks like it needs water to swim in which I don't have a tank for.

You don't need a "tank!" A large "rubbermaid" (any brand of appropriate size---bigger is better) tub makes a great habitat! A plastic (never used) paint-roller pan can provide a depth of water with easy access; easily cleaned, get two so one can be disinfected while the other is in use. Change water daily with tepid water; treat water or let stand for 24 hr if chlorinated.

>>a heat lamp, some shrubery, pellet flooring and a water dish

Is the "heat lamp" thermostatically controlled? Provide a gradient of temperatures (72-85F), at least a couple of thermometers to ensure proper temperature.
"Pellet flooring?" Not usually appropriate---can dehydrate the turtle and can become moldy quickly (but the pet store $ells it); moist sphagnum moss (unmilled) is good.
UVA/B lamp may also be needed; will your turtle be directly exposed to unfiltered (no glass, no plastic) sunlight several hours per day?
Offer a varied diet! Earthworms (bait store), green leafy veggies, tomatoes, over-ripe fruit, moist Tetra Reptomin sticks.

>My first suggestion is to take your animal to a qualified turtle veterinarian.

NOTE: "qualified!!!" This means if your vet comes up with a quick diagnosis of vitamin A deficiency, !!beware the vet!! Not all vets have experience with turtles. Soak your turtle in warm water; this not only helps to hydrate the turtle but may stimulate defecation! Save any "poop" for the vet so that s/he'll be able to do a fecal---very important especially if this is a wild-caught turtle.
Do not hesitate to ask more questions!!!!!!!!!!! These are great personable turtles given a chance!

Thanks for the information. I placed the turtle in a warm bath and it seemed to brighten its spirits, the water allowed it to have a bowel movement and clean it out. I placed it back in the cage and it seemed to even eat a little. I'll convert certain things over to a better environment.

FANTASTIC!!! Bet you never thought the "occasion" of poop would elicit such excitement! Turtle folk are most appreciative of good "poop!"
Do consider saving the poop (if it's cold outside, you can leave the poop in a baggie out there rather than in your fridge!) and take the poop in to a local vet for a parasite check.

Never, never let a vet give Ivermectin (and piperazine maybe problematic). If s/he is experienced with **turtles**, the likely drug may be panacur (depending on the parasite) or droncit. But, never, never Ivermectin!

Don't hesitate to ask more questions! Have fun with your new chum!