Reptile & Amphibian Forums

FOr the past month two of my spotted turtles have now refused to eat. They have not looked sick in any way other than they are not eating. They usually eat reptomin, wax worms, and catfish chunks. Any help wou be appreciated. My other spotteds are in the same tank and doing fine

Don't know if your turtles are inside or outside but in the hot summer months spotted turtles go into a hibernation of sorts. I have a pair of spotters outside and they have been hiding for about a month and a half now. The only time i see them is when we recieve a downpour. If your turtles are inside maybe reduce the temperature of the room. Spotters hate the heat and are fans of the cool weather of spring and early autumn. If they are inside they could be depressed. This will occur if there are too many turtles in too small an area. I would strongly consider building a outdoor enclosure for the turtles. This really brings out there personality and keeps them healthy.

I think your right my temp inside is too hot i think I have an outdoor enclosure butit has been kind of cooler and i thought rbing them out to cooler temps and then into warmer might give them a resp infection. So you think I should ignore the fact that their not eating if they are still somewhat active and seem healthy.. Also could internal worms be a possibilty?

If you have an outdoor enclosure I would put them out there especially if it is cooler out. Spotted turtles in the wild are one of the first turtles out of hibernation. Because they live in shallow water they hate the heat reason being is that the shallow water heats up fast. It is a bit strange that the rest of your spotters are eating but those two aren't that is definetly reason to be concerned. I would try them outside for a week if they still are sick then take them to a vet. Also I don't know how experienced you are with spotters outside or what type of enclosure you have, but I would make sure at night that the enclosure is completely enclosed. Spotters are highly vulnerable to raccoons especially if they sleep in the water. This year I had one badly injured by a raccoon. Also are they cb and what part of the US are you from. Chris

I am from the west side of michigan. I have taken one of the spotteds to the vet and he was given an antibiotic and two shots of vitamins. She is stable but really has not improved. I have sionce bought a t rex uv light i paid 70 dollars for and i recently purchased an ocean clrea filter and a high priced pump.