Reptile & Amphibian Forums

I just picked up three adult three striped muds. I put them in a meduim waterland tube. One is acting normal feeding on the bottom. The other when they go in the water they float. They act normal though minus the floating. I have never seen this and was woundering what causes this. Any thoughts would help. Ronnie

Yes, One of My Three Striped Floats also, the others, stay submerged.
Weigh the turtle if you can, and Try Superworms SO that it can catch them at the surface.
I have read a possible Lung Probelm (sickness) Although Mine eats fine and as long as it has something to hang onto While it is eating at the surface level it is just fine...This particular Three Strped spends a lot of time on land also.

Some of my own CB three-striped muds do the same thing, and I've seen it in some adult Kinosternons as well. They will eventually go back to normal but it can take months. The 'syndrome' appears to be triggered by stress (handling, transportation). No lung problems or anything that needs vet care. Make sure the floaters can eat and rest on the surface and they will be fine, eventually.

It takes some turtles of all species awhile to adjust the air in their bodies so they can submerge. Some of my kinosternids & young emydidae float for awhile especially if they been on land for awhile but eventually all submerge. If the problem persit more then 2 weeks then take it to a vet as it may be an infection of some sort.