How do you know if a turtle is sick?

Answer 1

The following is a list of the main signs that a turtle is sick. It is not all-inclusive and should not be used as a checklist to determine if a turtle is healthy. If your turtle demonstrates any of the symptoms listed below, check with a qualified reptile veterinarian as soon as possible. Home treatment is not advised and time may be a critical factor in controlling disease before it has time to escalate. These signs of illness are not listed by severity or frequency of occurrence.

• change in behavior or feeding habits noticeable for over 2 weeks (females may go off feed during egg-laying season)
• whitish or grayish areas on water turtles, either on shell or skin
• soft shell
• shell that is not smooth with a slight sheen but is dry, flaky, or appears "sanded"
• dry, flaky or translucent skin
• discolored spots on shell or skin (look for non-symmetrical spots either darker or lighter than the surrounding area that may "give" when you push on them)
• red spots or tinge in shell or skin
• nasal discharge (may not be evident unless you tap on the nose to cause the turtle to withdraw its head)
• swellings or lumps on skin, especially swelling over the ear
• foaming or discharge from mouth edges
• wet, runny, or sticky eyes
• listing to one side in water (can be checked with box turtles as well as water turtles)
• inability to submerge in water turtles
• frequent awakening during hibernation
• prolonged exposure in open, sunny areas without moving or sitting out in the open at night in box turtles
• basking after dark in water turtles
• prolonged soaking in water or box turtles
• "cottage cheese" material in mouth
• pale mouth (except in ornate box turtles)
• any foul odor
• loose stools
• failure to pass feces
• prolapse (any tissue emerging from cloacal vent)
• excessive scratching or many small bumps on skin (mites)
• obesity- tissues puffing out around legs (obesity can lead to illness and a shortened life span)
• swollen back legs or straining and kicking back and forth for over 2 weeks without laying eggs in females

Answer 2

Yes of course they can. Especially with the slider turtle, if you dont clean its water at least once a week, it will get an infection which can be fatal. Be careful and always sanitize your hands after handling your turtle, because turtles carry the salmonela germ (which you get from eating raw meat). Also dont dump out the dirty water from your turtle's tank in the kitchen sink. The best place to get rid of it is to flush it down the toilet.

Answer 3

i heard that you can. but i owned up to 4 turtles, and im perfectly fine.

Answer 4

Yes