If your turtle swims frantically it’s normal to ask yourself what is wrong. One of my turtles did the same thing during his first days in the tank, but in a few days, I managed to calm him down. So here is a guide that will help you calm your turtle down.
Turtles end up swimming frantically in their tank when something is wrong with them or their environment. Turtles usually act this way when they are scared, dressed, pregnant, or when the temperature is bad, or when they don’t have enough food.
Now let’s take a closer look at each problem and see what you have to do in each case.
Scared
If you just got your turtle, then it’s absolutely normal for it to behave strangely. So it’s really common to see a turtle trying to escape during the first days in a new home.
Turtles can get scared very easily, and moving from a place to another can be very frightening for them. They will go from a small cramped tank, that they share with multiple turtles, to a new spacious tank where they can live alone. And if they were sent through the mail, they will be even more scared.
If this is the case for your turtle, you just have to leave your turtle to calm down a little. After about a week your turtle will get used to the new environment and will start acting normally. There is nothing you can do in this case, just make sure that you don’t scare your turtle any further.
Stressed
Surprisingly turtles are very easily affected by stress. A stressed-out turtle can exhibit all kinds of strange behaviors, and swimming frantically is one of them.
Here are a few things that can stress a turtle:
- Loud speakers that are placed right next to the tank
- A cat or a dog that is always trying to get into the tank
- Improper handling
- Too frequent interactions
- etc.
If something is able to stress out most people, then it can also easily stress out a turtle.
To solve this problem you simply have to remove the stress source. Usually, this can be solved by moving the tank to another room that is less frequented by other people. But how to solve this problem really depends on the thing that is stressing your turtle. But basically, you just have to remove that stress factor, and soon your turtle will soon start to act normal again.
Pregnancy
A pregnant turtle will act very strangely, she will stop eating, she will stop basking, she will try to dig everywhere, and she will swim frantically. Pregnant turtles don’t do this not because they don’t like the tank, they do this because they want to find a good place where they can lay the eggs.
Turtles usually lay their eggs in piles of leaves or holes that they dig, but never in water. So the tank is definitely not a suitable environment for this.
The first thing you have to do if you want to know if your turtle is really pregnant is to find out if it’s a male or a female, so you should read this article that is going to tell you if that’s the case: How to Tell If Your Turtle Is Male or Female (with Pictures).
And if your turtle is a female, and you want to know if she is pregnant, then you should read this article where you will find all the info you need: How to Tell if Your Turtle Is Pregnant.
If your turtle is pregnant there is nothing that you can do to make her calm down. You will have to wait for her to lay the eggs.
One important thing about turtles is that they can get pregnant even if there is no male around. The difference is that the eggs won’t be fertilized so no baby will come out of them. So even if you only have a female turtle she can still lay eggs.
Water Temperature
This is probably the most common problem that makes turtles swim frantically.
Turtles need a temperature between 75 and 80 degrees Fahrenheit (24 and 27 degrees Celsius). They can live in water that is slightly colder or slightly warmer, but if the difference is too big they will try to get out and find a better place.
The solution for this problem is very simple, you simply have to adjust the water heater, or if you don’t have a water heater you simply have to get one.
If you need to buy a water heater make sure that you get one with an adjustable temperature, otherwise you won’t be able to properly control the temperature of the water. If you need help choosing a water heater you should check out the Recommended Gear Page, there you will find my recommendations for the best turtle care products, including water heaters.
Confused
Another possibility is that your turtle is simply confused by the glass of the tank. In the wild, there are very few transparent objects, and none of them are as transparent or as easy to see through as the glass of a tank. So there is a good chance that your turtle needs a little time to realize that there is some glass, and they won’t be able to get past it no matter how much they swim.
This is another case where you can’t do anything in particular to help your turtle. Just wait a while and your turtle will soon realize that it can’t swim through the glass.
Bad Basking Area Temperature
If the basking temperature is too high or too low, your turtle won’t be able to bask, so it will try to leave in search of a proper place where it can.
If the temperature is too high your turtle can get burnt, and they will avoid the basking area. If the temperature is too low then they won’t be able to properly heat themselves, so they will again leave to search for a better place.
This is probably the easiest thing to fix. Start by checking the temperature of the basking area with a thermometer. If the temperature is too low, then move the heating bulb slightly closer to your turtle, or get a more powerful bulb. Be careful not to bring the bulb too close, it can burn the turtle if it’s too close.
If the temperature is too high, you can either get a less powerful heat bulb or move the bulb further away from your turtle.
In general, the temperature should be between 85 and 90 degrees Fahrenheit (29 and 32 degrees Celsius). But depending on the species of the turtle the temperature can slightly differ.
If you are not sure how to properly manage a basking area you should read this guide: Guide for Lighting and Heating a Turtle Tank and Basking Area. There you will find the information you need, including the exact temperatures, how far the heat bulb should be from the turtle, and many more.
Improper Diet
While turtles are not very pretentious when it comes to food, if you don’t feed them enough food, or if you don’t give them the right food, they will start swimming frantically trying to leave in search of food.
To solve this problem you have to adjust the amount of food you give to your turtle as well as the food itself.
One great and simple way to give your turtle the correct amount of food is to use the size of the head method.
To put this method into practice is to find a small container, like a medicine cup, a shot glass, or a bottle cap. This container has to be approximately the same size as the head of your turtle, without the neck. Then you fill that container to the top with food. This is the amount of food that you should give your turtle every day.
As for the food itself, the right type of food will differ from turtle species to turtle species. But overall most turtle species are omnivores, which means that they eat fruits, vegetables, and meat. So a balanced turtle diet will contain all of the following.:
- Fruits
- Vegetables
- Dried Insects
- Fish
- Meat
- Pellets
Final Thoughts
I hope you will be able to find and solve your problem with the help of this article. But if you tried everything in this article and your turtle is still trying to get out, I would suggest you take your turtle to the vet. If there is nothing wrong with the tank, the water in the tank, the diet, and the basking area, there is a chance that your turtle might be sick, and the only way to know for sure is to go to a vet.
If you need further help with your turtle you can always check out our Care Guides section, where you will find hundreds of care guides, or you can leave a comment in the comment section and I will do my best to help you out.
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So confused! I have my first turtle…a male, 3-4 year old Mississippi Map Turtle. I inherited about 6 months ago. 11 days ago I moved him up to a 55 gallon tank. His basking area is around 85- 90, water temp 75 Fahrenheit. Initially I had it around 80 only to learn a day or so ago that was too warm for a Mississippi Map. So I lowered yesterday. I have adequate filtering system, a water heater, and everything I’m reading on the care for his type. Yesterday after lowering his water temp I noticed he basked all afternoon and today I’m noticing that he is basking again…but he did not stay on his basking area when I turned his lights out last night. He’s eating well… I have him a very balanced diet…no mucus in nose or eyes… appears very healthy. He is very active in his water. Since I’ve put him in this new tank a few days ago I e noticed that when I come to his tank it’s as tho he is begging for food , which he’s always done but I’ve noticed him slightly opening and closing his mouth…as tho he’s talking to me.. lol… which I know he’s not… are these two new behaviors anything to be concerned about.. the extra basking and mouth opening and closing quickly??? He does not open his mouth at all while basking. He seems to be a happy little boy…there is no stressful happenings to him..in fact he doesn’t even jump off his basking platform when I walk by now… he does if I put my hand in the tank or use my net to scum anything off the top. Also, I keep his water pristine clean. So help! Anything to be worried about??
Turtles are opportunistic feeders, which means that they eat every time that they have the opportunity. And sometimes they will try to create those opportunities themselves.
“Begging” for food is not abnormal behavior, it’s just another way that they use to get food. No reason to worry.
My female red slider is 11 years old. She is acting frantic like she has eggs. I built a large nesting box, 4 feet x 4 feet but she has always refused to use it, so I take her outside until she starts looking and digging, now she just walks around and isn’t digging. I keep her alone in a 125 gallon tank
Turtles are very selective when they look for a place to lay their eggs, so it will take a while until they decide that they found the right one.
But just to be sure that your turtle is pregnant you can take her to the vet, maybe something else is causing the strange behavior.
I’ve had my red eared slider for 4 months. She was about 2 .5 inches when I got her and now she’s close to 5 inches. I’m saying she based on the position of the cloaca. She is always very skid-dish, flying off her basking area if she she’s me, and swimming back and forth like a lunatic (why I named her Luna) if I’m near the tank begging for food like she’s being starved.
I tried feeding her outside of her tank to cut down on the debris but I haven’t been successful. Her eyes and nose are clear, her shell looks healthy and there’s no pyramiding. She does seem to be digging a lot in the substrate. Is she ok?
It’s great to hear that your red-eared slider has been growing well and has a healthy appearance. The behavior you describe, including skittishness, active swimming, and eagerness for food, can be typical for young turtles. Here are some insights into the behaviors you’re observing:
Skittish Behavior: Young turtles are often more skittish than adults. They are naturally cautious and may quickly retreat when they perceive potential threats. This is a common response to human presence.
Active Swimming: Turtles are naturally active swimmers, and young turtles, in particular, tend to be quite energetic. Their swimming behavior can be very active, and they often swim rapidly, especially when they see movement or when they’re looking for food.
Begging for Food: Young turtles tend to have robust appetites, and their begging behavior is not uncommon. They may beg for food even if they’re not hungry, and this behavior can be quite persistent.
Digging: Turtles may dig in the substrate as a natural behavior. It can serve various purposes, including burrowing to find cooler or warmer areas, creating nests, or just exploring.
It sounds like Luna is displaying normal behaviors for a young red-eared slider. As long as her physical condition remains healthy, with clear eyes, nose, and a well-maintained shell, and she continues to grow and eat well, there’s no immediate cause for concern.
Providing a balanced diet and maintaining proper tank conditions are essential for her ongoing well-being. Remember to keep an eye on her for any changes in behavior or physical condition, and consult with a reptile veterinarian if you have specific concerns about her health or behavior.
I have an 18 year old female red ear and a 8 year old male. My female has been swimming crazy. Usually I can take her out of her tank and let her just walk around the house. But she’s still doing it. Her tank is against a white wall since I just moved. She won’t eat. What else do I do
Sudden changes in behavior and appetite can be signs of various issues in turtles. Here are some steps you can take to address the situation with your female red-eared slider:
Environmental Factors: A change in environment, such as moving the tank or changes in lighting, can sometimes cause stress. Ensure that her tank is properly set up with the correct water temperature, basking area, and lighting.
Health Check: If her behavior and appetite changes persist, consider consulting a veterinarian experienced with reptile care for a health evaluation. It’s possible that there may be underlying health issues that need attention.
Routine Observation: Keep a close eye on her for any other concerning signs, such as unusual swimming patterns, swelling, changes in shell or skin appearance, or signs of injury. Note any specific changes that have occurred recently.
Diet and Feeding: Continue offering her a balanced diet of appropriate foods, including commercial turtle pellets, fresh leafy greens, and aquatic plants. While it’s not uncommon for turtles to sometimes go without food for a short period, monitor her closely to ensure she starts eating again.
Behavioral Enrichment: Sometimes turtles can become more active due to environmental changes. Providing objects and plants in the tank for her to interact with may help alleviate stress. Offering a basking area with appropriate UVB lighting is also essential for her well-being.
It’s essential to address the underlying cause of her unusual behavior and lack of appetite. Turtles are generally hardy, but they can develop health issues that need to be addressed promptly. Consulting with a veterinarian can help identify and treat any potential health problems or determine if stress or environmental factors are contributing to her behavior.