Land turtles usually do not cause concern for their owners. They are happy to eat different herbs and do not require a varied menu. It would seem - well, what can happen to such an unpretentious pet? But one not very pleasant day the turtle refuses to eat, and the owner does not know what to do with it. After all, a turtle, under normal conditions, does not make almost any sounds and does not in any way show that something is wrong with it, as warm-blooded animals do. The turtle does not lend itself to persuasion. It is impossible to guess what she thinks about food, about the world around her and about the owner who feeds her with no one knows what. What to do if the turtle has lost its appetite?
It is necessary
- Salad
- Tomatoes
- Table lamp or heater
- Ultraviolet lamp
- Plate or bowl
- Boiled water
- Manicure nippers
Instructions
Step 1
If your turtle has stopped eating, try to determine if it's time for it to hibernate. Turtles are usually active in the summer and go to bed in the winter, which is natural. But there are also exceptions. Even the Central Asian or Greek turtles, usually with a normal life cycle in the northern hemisphere, may well fall asleep in the middle of summer to get you thinking about their menu in winter. This happens if the turtle is well fed in the spring and early summer. In nature, the Central Asian tortoise has two periods of hibernation: in winter and in drought. In this case, just leave the turtle alone. You can put her a box of dry leaves. Place the "bedroom" in a cool place where there are no drafts.
Step 2
If the turtle does not go to sleep, but does not eat, it may well be that she wants something completely different from what you are offering her. Try feeding lettuce or dandelion leaves. If the turtle remains indifferent, give something that no land turtle is usually unable to refuse - a slice of tomato. If this does not help, try to give your pet the right to choose. Take it out to the grass on a warm sunny day. Let her see for herself what she likes. Include on the menu whatever she chooses.
Step 3
It is possible that the turtle will not choose anything. Try giving her a small piece of bread. Remember that, in general, you cannot feed a turtle with bread, it has a detrimental effect on the liver. But a small piece to whet the appetite will not hurt, turtles even love what is harmful for them. After the bread, add salad or dandelions.
Step 4
The turtle may want to drink rather than eat after hibernation. Pour water into a saucer and place in front of the turtle. Some turtles do not eat after hibernation because their intestines are full. In this case, give the turtle a "bath". Pour warm boiled water into a bowl or plate, depending on the turtle's size. The water temperature should be slightly above room temperature. Place the turtle in the water carefully. This must be done so that the nostrils are above the water. This procedure will help solve two problems. Maybe the turtle is just thirsty, then it will immediately get drunk. A 10 minute bath is usually sufficient. But it can also happen that the turtle will immediately get rid of what is in its intestines. Then it must be washed, taken out and wiped off.
Step 5
Sometimes the turtle cannot eat because its beak grows back. In this case, the beak must be trimmed with nail tongs. If you cannot do this yourself, see your veterinarian. By the way, a regrown beak can be a symptom of calcium deficiency, due to which the turtle can also lose its appetite. In order to avoid calcium deficiency, turtles need to be given pieces of chalk, as well as put them out in the sun or irradiated with an ultraviolet lamp. After being exposed to radiation, turtles usually start eating right away.
Step 6
Even a very hungry land turtle will not eat if the ambient temperature is below 18 ° C. Her digestive enzymes just don't work. Therefore, warm up the turtle and the room in which it is located. Put on a regular table lamp or heating device. At lower temperatures, the food in the turtle's stomach is not digested and may start to rot.
