Reptile & Amphibian Forums

Alright, so I was watching my turtles today and the one began twitching. It has done this before, but before it had simply looked as if it was scratching itself, I even named him Spaz because of it. But this time it lasted 1-2 minutes and his head was wobbling from side to side as well as his legs twitching and it was actually kind of violent.

Could it be a male turtle trying to entice a female? They often swim in front of female, put front legs out and twitch them. If it is a male it is probably some variant of normal behaviour.

However, what little I know is mainly about tortoises so you might need an actual turtle person to help you. I was just interested because I am a neurologist and treat seizures. If you filmed it and it does look epileptic that would be very interesting in a nerdy neurological way.

I'm not to big on turtles, but have been around reptiles for 14yrs, if this were one of mine, I would head to the vet for a check up and blood work to rule out anything. Also be sure your husbandry is perfect, and as I do, when you think you have it perfect, try to get it better!!
keep us posted, its always good to learn more!
-----
hanging out under heat lights burns up my brain cells!!

One reason for twitching might be a lack of calcium and/or some vitamins, due to dietary deficiency.In female pregnant turtles that would not be surprising as calcium might be taken from regular metabolism to make eggshell.
If that were the case, injecting calcium with D3 and B12 would help,
Good luck, and let us know how she's doing,
David

You turtle seems to be very friendly and he had learn very quickly.
canine fluid retention