Reptile & Amphibian Forums

I have a strange question I thought that box turtles always floated when put in water. I have one box turtle that sinks to the bottom every time he is in water. This weekend I found a box turtle exactly like the one that sinks before I released him I put him in water and sure enough he sinks as well. Is this normal if it is not what could cause this to happen. Thank you in advanced for your help.

They don't float... they are suppost to sink in water. They aren't very good swimmers at all so can drown in deep water if they can't crawl out.

Mine bob around like corks when they're in the water, but can, and do, submerge if they are so inclined. They are not "supposed to sink", but rather are capable of swimming both underwater and at the surface. In the heat of summer, estivating under water or in mud for long periods of time is not unusual at all. Mine have been taking turns spending hours submerged, frequently sleeping overnight, in their little pond.
A concern would be if the turtles sink and are UNABLE to resurface. Make sure they have ways to get out of the water easily.
Stephanie

My easterns and three toeds ride high in the water, but my ornate barely rises above the surface. What breed is yours?

Also a consideration: if you are putting a turtle into the water when it has pulled into its shell, it may well have expelled enough air from its lungs to render itself less buoyant.

I guess I was wrong when I said boxers sank. I should have said my male ornate sinks to the bottom when placed in water.