flipping out

i keep finding my daughter's little baby box turtle upside down. i'm not sure why he keeps flipping himself. how can i prevent him from doing this? can it be harmful to him and if so, how long would it take him being upside down to cause harm to himself?

Comments for flipping out

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Jan 11, 2011
 seek help
by: Anonymous

my horsefield died doing this i believe they cant breath on there back
Dec 21, 2010
 just dont worry
by: madhoora

turtles do have a habbit of turning on back. just check if your turtles legs are fine. if yes there is nothing to worry for a land turtle. if your turtle is in water then please ask a vet to do its check up.
Dec 20, 2010
 Upside down turtle
by: Shelly

You didn't say whether your turtle has been on its back on land or in the water.

If it's on its back on land, it's not in any really serious danger. If you are worried, try to figure out how it's flipping over. Often it will be bracing itself against something to manage its acrobatic act.

It it's on its back in the water, you could have a lung problem and should see a vet.

Keep it slow and steady.

PS. Here is a link to a series of photos of a turtle turning over.

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