My turtle floats on his back intentionally

by Michelle
(Maryland)

I have what I believe to be a baby box turtle (about the size of a ping pong ball), and he is the first turtle I have ever had.


I live in an old farmhouse with no electric heat, just a wood stove. My turtle lives in the kitchen near the stove, where the temperature can fluctuate. He also has a heat lamp for when I am working and not tending the fire.

Sometimes I catch him intentionally getting into the water and flipping upside down to float around on his back. He'll put his head under water to look for food or hold it out of the water to look at me.

Does he do this because he is getting uncomfortably hot or is it typical for them to float around like that just for fun? Do I flip him back over or let him remain upside down? What is the maximum temperature in which they are comfortable?

Thank you,
Michelle

Comments for My turtle floats on his back intentionally

Click here to add your own comments

Jun 27, 2018
 regarding my earlier comment
by: Loohan

I was pretty ignorant. That is a 3-toed boxie, not a tort (although at the time i thought boxies were torts.
But it's still a bad idea to assume they are having fun. If stuck too long upside-down they can get so tired they can't hold their head up and drown or inhale poop water and get an infection.
Jun 27, 2018
 My baby turtle is floading with his back and making some noise.. Anyone help me with home treatment since there is no vet for turtle here
by: Mey

My baby turtle is floading with his back and making some noise.. Anyone help me with home treatment since there is no vet for turtle here
Dec 16, 2014
 Tortoise Floating on Back
by: Shelly

It is not good for a tortoise to be on its back. Breathing is difficult in this position.

As you can see, it is really hard for a tortoise to turn over in the water because there is nothing for it to push against.

Do what you can to keep this from happening again.

Keep it slow and steady.
Dec 11, 2014
 baby tortoise video
by: Loohan

Ha, my little guy did this yesterday and i took a short vid.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6gA21b_bEPo&feature=youtu.be
I say guy altho not sure about gender.

Someday when i fix up a nice place for him, his pool will have a rock set so that he can flip himself if desired. And a a few rocks on the bottom so he can right himself.
Apr 05, 2013
 My turtle floats on his back!
by: Anonymous

This is the second time I've found my turtle on his back. Each time I think he died. Just saw him flip back over. Could it be his personality???
Feb 08, 2011
 My turtle floats on his back intentionally
by: madhoora

hello michelle,
if your turtle is absolutely fine then let it be as it is, but floating on back is a bit weird, so i will suggest that take it to a vet so that he will be able to check it.
the perfect temperature for a turtle to grow should be within the range of 28degrees to 33 degrees, 2 to 3degreesdifference is acceptable. but not more or less than this.

Click here to add your own comments

Return to Ask Your Turtle or Tortoise Question.