Reptile & Amphibian Forums

hey everyone about a few days ago my baby dbt now almost 2 inches from the nickel size i got it stopped eating, it shakes its head from side to side and seems to have bubbles being burped or coughed idk. any help would be great albert.r.d@hotmail.com already lost one turtle. i have a full size turtle calcium block in the tank pretty small tank could that be it? thank u

Sounds like an upper respiratory problem. I would take it to a vet asap and have them run a culture. I would keep it warm and maybe humid until than since that sometimes helps. But since it is a desert species do not take my word on the humidity. If it still persists for a few days take it to a vet!!!

I have had many tortoises with respiratory problems and it usually takes antibiotics to cure them. Once in a while heating them up works but it is rare. If you do not want to give it injections you could try administering the antibiotic with a nebulizer hooked up to a rubbermaid with the tortoise in it. I have had some success with this system for respiratory problems.

Good luck!

Marc P

its an aquatic turtle, i have a heat pad the water stays at room temperature like warm soda i like to say, i remember it jumping out of my hand and landing pretty hard in the tank about 6 inches high im thinking it could be injury also. all the turtle does now is sleep all day most of the day. thank you