Long Neck Turtle - sleeping, shedding skin, not eating?

Hi, I have had my long neck turtle for 13 years, he has always been very active and jumps when I walk past wanting to eat. Now he just sleeps underwater all the time, not eating and shedding skin. I have put live fish in there which he normally catches in a matter of an hour, they have been in there for 4 weeks now. He isn't his usual happy active self. I have put turtle salts in there and cleaned the tank several times, and I turned up the heater. I don't know what is wrong with him - and I'm not sure even if he is a male, but just assumed as I was told by the person who gave him to me. Is he okay, or is he dying?

Comments for Long Neck Turtle - sleeping, shedding skin, not eating?

Click here to add your own comments

Jul 01, 2011
 my boy is bad to
by: Joanne

hi i was hoping to get some help to my boy is doing nothing he normally runs over to me for a pat and food but he looks half dead but my girl in the same water is eating like a pig as always the heater is on yes it is cold out of the water but inside water very nice please help very worried but haven't got the money to take him to the vet this month to know if its a boy the shell under neath on his belly where his tale is is like a v shape has been cut out with the girls its more rounded
Jun 10, 2011
 Sick Pet
by: Shelly

I can tell from your submission that you really care about your turtle and that you are worried. Any time you see a change in an animal that concerns you, it's worth a visit to a vet. In this case, you've tried all the reasonable changes. I'm sorry that I can't give you any other suggestion. I'm not sure what is going on. I would definitely take this animal to a vet -- one who specializes in reptiles would be best.

Do keep us posted.

Keep it slow and steady.

Click here to add your own comments

Return to Ask Your Turtle or Tortoise Question.