Reptile & Amphibian Forums

I have 3 8month old hatchlings. A few days ago I discover two of them shakes their head back and forth. One of them still eats but seem to either not able to see the food or can't control his neck because he is biting every which way except the food. The other one seems to not want to eat at all. Please help.

This sounds serious and it could be related to a poor diet causing neurological symptoms, or some type of poisoning, or a virus affecting the muscles, nerves or the brain. I suggest you get them looked at by a vet with herp experience. He will be able to tell if this is something that can be fixed with diet or meds, or if it is ....something else. Sorry I can't be of more help, but this is definetly one of those time where the turtles need to seen by a professional.
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Tess Cook
www.boxturtlesite.info

Thanks for the reply. I feed them strawberry, bananas and night crawlers. I am not sure were in CT I can find a VET that have experience in Box Turtles. Before I find a qualify VET, anything I can do in the mean time?

By the Way I love your book!

For now you can soak the turtles in a shallow bowl of tepid water 2-3 times a day to help keep them hydrated and also remove build up of by-products, toxic or otherwise. If you can upload a video on Youtube-that might be helpful. Other than soaking-naturally keep them mosit and warm.

You mentioned you feed them worms-where do you get the worms? Any chance they could have been toxic? What kind are they? Did you use any recalled dog or cat food? I would not use any product unless you are absolutely sure it is safe to use. Is the shaking getting worse?

Thanks for getting a hold of my book Tess