Urgent Care :: IS THIS HEAD TWITCH NORMAL???

[waverdr]

For the past couple of weeks, I've noticed that my turtle (Sheldon) has been doing a weird head twitch from time to time when he gets out of the water. Usually he does it when he's under the heat lamp, but he'll also do it from time to time when he's on his floating log, away from the heat lamp.

In addition, when he twitches, it's usually accompanied by a moist, croak-like sound.

Here is a link to a video I took of him doing it: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Vapn0XHbjlQ

I've read some posts about head twitches that's considered a "normal" way for the turtle to "cool off" but those posts never mentioned a sound accompanying the twitch.

I have doubts that it is a cough, because he stops the twitching whenever he knows that he's being watched by me...and he won't start the twitch again until I am out of sight.

The whole thing is weird...so hopefully someone on here will know what's going on. Otherwise, I'll just take him to the vet.

THANKS IN ADVANCE FOR ANY HELP/SUGGESTIONS!

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TURTLE INFO:
How big is your turtle? about 3 inches
How long have you had it? 6 months

What is the water temperature? 84 F
Did you use a thermometer? yes
Are you using a water heater? yes
How much water is in there? about 12 gallons
Are you using a water conditioner? Reptisafe
Are you using any filtration? Tetra Whisper Power Filter (10-30 gallons)

What is the basking temperature? 90-100 F
Is there a basking light? yes
Is there a basking platform that is easy to climb on? yes
What kind is it or what is it made out of? it's a "floating turtle dock"
Is there a UVB light? yes

What have you been trying to feed it? ReptoMin sticks
When was the last time your turtle ate? this afternoon

How big is the tank/pond/enclosure? 20 gallon tank
Is the tank near a window? no
Is the tank in a room with a lot of activity? not really

Have you read the Basic Care section? yes
Have you searched the forums for similar situations? yes

[raverqueenage]

Wow, I know Hurley twitches a little when he is basking, but not like that. From the video it almost looks like it's seeing tings and trying to bite at something :\

I hope someone can help out with this cause I'm definitely curious.

[frog]

the video isnt available anymore. thats what it said for me anyways.

[steve]

It somewhat reminds me of this: http://www.redearslider.com/forum/viewt ... p?p=154929

How often does he do this? Is there any pattern? (Time of day, after basking, etc)

[grey goose]

That's some very odd behavior......the only thing I could suggest is to lower the water temp to about 76F and the basking to 90F.......however, the "croaking" sound could be a problem, if it continues, or if there is any outward signs of distress, I'd plan a trip to the Vet.

[TheComputerGremlin]

Wow, Steve, I was just about to look for that link. Repeating my comment on there:

"Wow, umm, is it possible there were a few fruit flies or mosquitoes over there that he was grabbing? Or maybe he has a piece of hair stuck near his mouth?

I'd watch that behavior, if it continues, I don't know what a vet could do for you, but I'd take him to a vet since that seems like a neurological disorder. At least you caught a video to show a vet!"

Seems weird that there are two turtles with similar weird behavior so close together ...

[SpotsMama]

Have you ever seen spots floating in your field of vision when in reality there is nothing there? This is a fairly common in humans. The spots are usually caused by "floaters" or little bits of debris floating around in the eyeball. Sometimes I have seen floaters and they can look like a swarm of gnats. The turtles look to me like they are snapping at floaters or something that isn't there but looks like insects buzzing around.

I agree a visit to the vet is in order. One other possible cause is that something is bothering his mouth or throat, like something stuck in it.

[jroc 518]

it looks more like sheldon is trying to bite the log or is seeing things. Maybe you should take it to the vet.

[waverdr]

ya...i guess maybe i'll just take him to the vet.

he does it pretty frequently when he is up on his turtle dock under the heat lamp. but, again, it's just weird that he STOPS whenever he knows i am watching him. if it were a cough or something like that, it seems like he would cough even if i were watching him.

also...i have a second turtle in the tank as well. could it possibly be some kind of sign of "dominance" that he's trying to show the other turtle?

[steve]

I would dial down the water and basking temps first before a vet visit.

[waverdr]

ok...will do.

i've looked EVERYWHERE for recommended basking temps and water temps, but can't find any definitive answers.

What should the basking temp be, and what should the water temp be?

[steve]

Refer to Grey Goose's reply in this topic.

[dianimal]

my turtle started doing the head twitch ocasionally. last night i caught him in his sleep lunging his head upward repeatedly. the movement looked like hiccups. it looked like he was trying to pop the bubles that we're by his head but he never does that when he's awake. he's never wheezed and i've never seen any mucus on him. sometimes he rubs his eyes.

[grey goose]

Turts will jerk and twitch (and rub their eyes) when basking. I've seen my Beaker have what could be described as hiccups, mostly after she eats.....
It all sounds normal to me.

[Apollo&Scampi]

It reminded me of a seizure or something of the sort. I definitely think it's a neurological disorder, but I doubt they have meds for turtles.... or do they? o_O

That was really creepy to watch. My turtle has never done that.