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My Indian Flapshell turtle isn't eating. Is it hibernating or sick?

Updated on September 23rd, 2025

Pet's info: Reptile | Aquatic Turtle | Male | 2 months and 26 days old | 0.308647 lbs

Do Indian Flapshell turtle hibernate and what to do when it is not eating the food provided ?

4 Answers

Most Helpful Answer

Answered By Todd Cecil

Veterinarian

Published on December 16th, 2018

Thanks for reaching out about Jackie. These turtle are from tropical environs and therefore doe not hibernate. But is allows to become cold will enter torpor, thereby shutting down their immune system, other metabolisms, including appetite. Check water and basking site temperature. Correct any concerns. Illnesses can also cause inappetance, and this should be investigated by a veterinarian.
Good luck.

5Pet Parents found this answer helpful

Related Answers from Veterinarians

Answered By Angel Alvarado, LVT
Licensed Veterinary Technician
Published on February 7th, 2017
These freshwater turtles enjoy quiet (low current) water with sand or mud substrate. In the wild, they normally burrow into the sand or mud. Water and ambient temps should range between 70 F and 85 F. Provide a basking area of about 95 F. Low temps can affect appetite and activity. UVA/UVB lighting is also necessary for good health.
These turtles are omnivorous, so you should try a bit of everything. Fish, fruits, vegetables, freeze dried foods should all be offered on a rotating basis. Being soft-shelled, they can are more predisposed to shell infections (bacterial or fungal). Poor water quality can compound the problem.
If the environmental parameters are correct, an appropriate diet is being offered and the turtle still won't eat, then an exam with a veterinarian experienced in treating reptiles would be recommended to diagnose illness or injury.
2Pet Parents found this answer helpful
Answered By Angel Alvarado, LVT
Licensed Veterinary Technician
Published on September 20th, 2018
Check the water temperature and ambient temperatures. Low temps can affect appetite and activity in reptiles. This species can be quite dirty as well, necessitating powerful filtration to maintain water quality.
Flapshells are omnivorous and will eat vegetables, pellets and animal protein as long as temp and other environmental parameters are within range.
1Pet Parents found this answer helpful
Answered By Todd Cecil
Veterinarian
Published on October 31st, 2018
Thanks for reaching out and including a picture. Decreased appetite can result in poor water quality conditions or illness. If the water temperature drops, digestion can be interrupted. Intestinal parasites, infections or ingested foreign bodies can decrease the appetite also. Other metabolic conditions (low calcium, low vitamin A, liver or kidney diseases) can also account for poor condition.
It is recommended you seek the assistance with a visit to a reptilian veterinarians office.
Good luck.
4Pet Parents found this answer helpful

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