Why do turtles slap things?

Turtles slap each other to show affection or dominance over each other. Slapping is quite normal in turtles, and it is usually done by male turtles to impress the female turtles.

Why does my turtle have a lump on the side of its head?

If you notice lumps, bumps or swelling under the skin of a turtle, it might be a sign of an abscess. These can occur pretty much anywhere on a turtle. Turtles are susceptible to middle ear infections which can result in an aural abscess that can be seen on the side of their heads.

What does it feel like to pet a turtle?

Some people think reptiles, like turtles, can show some basic feelings, the most clear being fear and aggression, but also things like curiosity or pleasure from human contact. Many turtles seem to enjoy getting their shell, head or chin stroked and may push towards your hand as you pet them.

What does it look like when a turtle has mouth rot?

Mouth rot or Necrotic Stomatitis is often caused when a long term illness allows opportunistic bacterial or fungal infections to infect the mouth of your turtle. This can look like the following: cheesy white growths, pus and dead tissues, red and black blisters on the tongue or palate of the mouth.

What kind of turtle breathes through its genitals?

Despite the turtle’s punk appearance – derived from vertical strands of algae that also grow on its body – its docile nature made it historically popular as a pet.

If you notice lumps, bumps or swelling under the skin of a turtle, it might be a sign of an abscess. These can occur pretty much anywhere on a turtle. Turtles are susceptible to middle ear infections which can result in an aural abscess that can be seen on the side of their heads.

Mouth rot or Necrotic Stomatitis is often caused when a long term illness allows opportunistic bacterial or fungal infections to infect the mouth of your turtle. This can look like the following: cheesy white growths, pus and dead tissues, red and black blisters on the tongue or palate of the mouth.

What happens to a turtle that gets hit by a car?

Wild turtles are commonly found on the side of the road after getting hit by cars and suffering from serious shell fractures. “Although shell fractures can be serious, the shell is bone and can be repaired.”

Why does my box turtle have white spots on its shell?

Bacterial infections cause a wet rot and fungal infections cause a white rot. Most cases of shell rot occur in aquatic species but land species of box turtles and tortoises can also get it. The signs of wet rot include: a spotted discolored shell that is soft which may or not smell rotten.