I have a sick turtle with a respiratory infection and an ear infection. The respiratory infection is almost completely cleared up, but I cannot get her to keep her head out so I can deal with her ears. All my usual tricks aren't working with this turtle. Any suggestions?
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How to get turtle to extend his head???
LisaOKC
Jun 15, 2003 11:31 PM
Replies (2)
Katie
Jun 16, 2003 07:12 AM
This may sound cruel at first, but if done carefully, it doesn't harm the turtle. Put him in a basin of warm water over his head and wait until he extends his neck to breathe, then grasp his neck behind his head and bring him up. I've had to do this with a very stubborn ornate, and it's less stress on me and the turtle than trying to pry the head out or prod the hindquarters.
nathana
Jun 16, 2003 08:46 AM
That is how I get any box turtle part extended. Also, if they are being stubborn (or I am being impatient) I will spin them around under the water. They will quickly extend to stop the spinning. If you can just grasp even one front foot, extend it, and hold it on the side of the shell, then getting the head and extending it should be relatively easy.
