My turtle won't eat his pellets and has an eye problem. What's wrong?

Question

Help! My turtle won't eat his pellets. He'd chew it then spit it out. There's also something in his eye. What do I do? I can't find any vets that treat turtles near us, so I can't rush him to the vet. Pet's info: Reptile | Turtle | Male | 5 years old

Todd Cecil · Accepted Answer

Thanks for reaching out about Buddy. Chewing and spitting out food is suggestive of an obstruction. Could there be a possible substrate ingestion (rocks, etc)? Vitamin A deficiencies can cause epithelial (skin, throat linings) to swell. Calcium deficiencies can affect muscle and skeletal structure. Brightly colored foods (red/yellow/orange vegetables) and movement (live fish, worms) can stimulate appetite. Check and correct water husbandry. Otherwise a veterinary visit is needed. Good luck.

My turtle won't eat his pellets and has an eye problem. What's wrong?

Most Helpful Answer

Share