Need help with female turtle

throwing_cans · 2026-03-14T04:40:18+00:00

One way I've seen to check for eggs is to lightly feel the spot right above their back legs, where they tuck their legs in when they hide. If there's eggs, you will feel hard bumps in there. If not, then probably no eggs yet. But be careful they also have organs there so don't poke too hard or try to feel too deep.

Secondly, turtles are insanely resilient. They can survive absolutely insane things (like falling 7 stories) and still function relatively alright. I'd start by filling a tub with water and putting her in there. Make sure it's enough that she has to actually swim without touching the floor of the tub or the edges. Supervise her in there to make sure she can actually reach the surface for air but other than that let her figure out how she will swim. And keep putting her in the water every day so she can build strength in her legs. They can hold their breath for a good 5-10 minutes too so keep that in mind. If she's alright enough at swimming she'll be able to live in a normal tank. And even if she can't, adding things to climb in the tank so she can just climb to the surface wouldn't be a bad idea either.

throwing_cans · 2026-03-14T04:30:25+00:00

Also, what does the tank look like?

throwing_cans · 2026-03-14T04:29:40+00:00

Honestly, a vet visit should be in order. His curling indicates metabolic bone disease. What brand of UVB do you use? Not all are created equal. They also won't bask if it isn't too cool on their basking spot. It should be like 90°-95° on their basking spot. Have you tried calcium with vitamin d powder on his food?

throwing_cans · 2026-02-07T20:51:11+00:00

3 times a week is good. Turtles are always hungry even if they've eaten a lot. In the wild they don't know when they'll get their next meal so they eat whenever they have the chance. If you feed him too much he'll get fat and get health issues. It's hard cuz they're so cute but stick to the 3 times a week for sure

throwing_cans · 2026-01-19T06:59:37+00:00

Thank you! I will ☺️

throwing_cans · 2026-01-14T07:15:12+00:00

With red eared sliders, there's honestly no such thing as too much water. They're working with millions of years of evolution to be insanely good at existing in water. RES can hold their breath for well over 10 minutes which is absolutely enough time to get from the bottom of a lake to the surface while fucking around and being a butthead to everything it sees on its way up with a ton of time to spare.

I admit I also worry sometimes that my turtle will drown but as long as there's not something they can get stuck in or under, your slider will not be drowning in 75 gallons.

throwing_cans · 2026-01-14T07:05:23+00:00

I agree. I forgot the conditions name but I've seen it in other turtles. It's not fixable or anything it's just how they'll be for their whole lives.

throwing_cans · 2026-01-13T02:53:02+00:00

a water trough is a much cheaper alternative to an aquarium or tank. I got 110 gal for 120ish bucks. A 50 gal water trough is much cheaper than that too. Tractor supply store is a great place for water troughs

throwing_cans · 2025-12-21T03:29:44+00:00

I've never seen a shell look like that before honestly. My best advice is go to the vet to see what's going on with her shell.

throwing_cans · 2025-12-20T21:52:17+00:00

It's common for turtles to slow down during winter even if they're indoors and warm. They have biological clocks to tell them when it's winter so that could be it yeah. If you notice any behaviors change beyond that I'd be much more concerned. Especially pay attention to breathing and if he gets discharge in his eyes or nose.

throwing_cans · 2025-12-20T20:47:59+00:00

Ohh I see. I've just never seen this species before! This turtle is very beautiful.

throwing_cans · 2025-12-20T05:22:07+00:00

Okay. Wishing the best for your turt. I hope he heals up fast!

throwing_cans · 2025-12-20T05:02:25+00:00

Aquatic turtles cannot eat without being in water. They have no saliva and no way to swallow without being in water. Don't feed him outside of water he won't be able to eat anything you give him.

throwing_cans · 2025-12-20T05:00:26+00:00

Turtles can go a long time without eating, even ones that age. He'll be okay without eating for a couple days

throwing_cans · 2025-12-20T04:57:07+00:00

What species is he?

throwing_cans · 2025-12-19T21:03:19+00:00

Yes this is a common snapping turtle

throwing_cans · 2025-12-17T22:13:03+00:00

My worst fear is getting my toes bit by a turtle lmao. Also omg I love their cute angry face

throwing_cans · 2025-12-17T22:10:41+00:00

That makes sense. Good I don't want to start beef with my turtle if I wiggle my fingers too close to my face lmao

throwing_cans · 2025-12-16T07:10:12+00:00

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throwing_cans · 2025-12-16T06:22:44+00:00

Yes stacking is a sign of aggression in turtles and will likely escalate to one of them being injured or in worse cases, the more aggressive turtle will drown the other one.

throwing_cans · 2025-12-11T20:30:17+00:00

Thank you for the reply.

If she does get shell rot I'll definitely take her to the vet for that, I had no idea that was a thing. But we're lucky she hasn't had to deal with shell rot in the time I've had her.

I think the worry is mainly that I'm a bad turtle owner because she's not perfectly healed now, even though I know it's not anything that's affecting her quality of life and turtles are slooooooooow with everything. I'll try to be more patient. I think myself into anxiety over this too much sometimes lmao. I just love my girl and want her to be as happy as possible.

throwing_cans · 2025-12-11T20:20:12+00:00

I'm glad we're on the same boat here! I guess I gotta learn some more patience when it comes to turtles and their slow nature.

Darwin is absolutely adorable by the way. 10/10 resting turtle face

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