My Turtle's head is stuck in its shell but is walking around

by natalie
(phila, pa)

My Turtle's head is stuck in its shell but is walking around. I am getting nervous because we cannot get him to poke his head out? I am not sure how to get his head out.

Comments for My Turtle's head is stuck in its shell but is walking around

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Jan 27, 2023
 turtle
by: Anonymous

i put a qtip by his outh and he grabbed onto it. i pulled and he held on so i was able to pull his neck all the way out. it went back in but not as far.
Mar 06, 2022
 Tortoise neck stuck
by: Ann

Our Russian tortoise had his neck stuck inside and could not release it this evening. Eventually, after trying different things we managed to get a large paperclip underneath and then hook it onto his beak which released it. Immediately he went into his home and tried to move our other tortoise away from his corner. So relieved that he does not seem too traumatised by the experience! Far worse for me looking at him and knowing we could not get him to a vet until the morning.
Jul 14, 2019
 Dog Biscuit
by: Tortoise_Guy

I don't know about turtle's, but my Tortoise's head was inside it's shell, and we didn't realise why, he then opened his mouth and revealed a dog biscuit and we had to pick it out with the non-flamable side of a matchstick
Apr 02, 2016
 Sulcata hurt
by: Anonymous

My sulcata just walked thru a cord hanging down from the stereo and got the cord stuck in his shell. Now I think he is in too much pain to come out. I'm at a animal hosp. And all they want to do is just wait
Feb 01, 2016
 Tortoise head not coming out
by: Anonymous

My tortoises head won't come out of her shell? Someone please give me some advice
Mar 23, 2014
 turtle head
by: Anonymous

Blow by his rear by the tail its head will pop out
Apr 16, 2012
 sick animal
by: Anonymous

To the last person who posted here.

Your pet will definitely die if it doesn't get medical help right away. From what you have said, this will not get better on its own.
Apr 15, 2012
 Help!
by: Anonymous

can someone help me my turtle doesnt seem to be moving at all unless i try touch him and his head is stuck within the the extra skin on his neck, i dont know what to do i cant afford to take him into the vet. can someone give me advice his eyes are white looking almost like an infection if anyone can plz help me i dont want my turtle to die =(
Jan 13, 2012
 MY TORTOISE
by: Anonymous

my tortoise had the same problem i think i shocked him when i picked him up and he must have opened his mouth when putting his head out lol i was frightened but i left him an hour and he sorted himself out
Oct 22, 2011
 Similar issue
by: Anonymous

My turtle had the same problem, but I just reached in there and popped his head down and he was fine. Mine wasn't walking around however he was incapacitated. He just looked really pissed about the whole ordeal and seemed really happy that I helped him out. Mine won't bite EVER so this is totally safe. If yours bites don't attempt.
Feb 13, 2010
 Common Sense
by: Melissa's Bro

Try blowing it out like the fingers of a rubber glove. Just place your lips around his excreter and gently blow. His head should pop right out and he should be fine. Remember to gargle after. Safety first.
Feb 13, 2010
 THE CURE..........
by: King Henery The tort.

Stop playing him The Cure. Sounds as if he's depressed. A girlfriend will make his head pop out.
Jan 14, 2010
 Vet time
by: Shelly

I really suggest you read the forum comments at this link.

This could be an emergency and you don't want to leave it too long. You also don't want to do any more damage than may already have been done.

Keep it slow and steady.

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