crushing plate question

DBTerrapin / Forums / Diamondback Terrapins / crushing plate question

  • Author
    Posts
  • karen testa
    June 15, 2010 at 10:28 am #22715

    hi all, something happened yesterday that i never experienced before and i want to check to make sure it is normal. One of my females(3 yrs, 7″)was out of the water and i heard her make the ‘snapping’ sound of her mouth, but there was no food around. is this normal? I occasionally will hear the sound when she is eatting or biting down on something as i know they crush with their plates, but she wasn’t eatting. Ive also read these plates can become overgrown and cause problems. they have crushed coral and cuttlebone in their tanks always. Ive noticed she doesn’t except large pieces of fish any longer after she regurgitated a couple of pieces recently in her tank a bit after i fed her in her feeding tub, but i took it as she just ate too fast and it got blocked up and she spit it all back up. could this be related? as she is very careful after that day as to how large the pieces are she takes in. i am hoping its not a bone or something caught in her throat. thanks in advance.karen

    diamondback_terrapin
    June 15, 2010 at 4:00 pm #22716

    Karen, I’ve never observed this action before so I can’t really comment other than to advise you to suspend any concern unless her activity level and or appetite decreases. Maybe someone else has observed this before. -Stephen C

    beautifuljoe1313
    June 15, 2010 at 10:08 pm #22717

    Is she able to close her mouth properly? The biggest indication that the crushing plates are over grown is when the mouth won’t quite close all the way. Katrina

    RICH VEECK
    June 16, 2010 at 7:03 am #22718

    Katrina,I have a female about 1 year old, who makes that snapping noise while sunbathing. It’s pretty much a daily routine, she doesn’t appear to have any health issues.Rich RICH VEECKNORTH WEST MACHINERY (519) 942-8641From: beautifuljoe1313

    karen testa
    June 16, 2010 at 7:52 am #22719

    it seems all else is fine, except those two instances. i will keep an eye out for any other issues. thank you

    Carmen
    June 17, 2010 at 8:38 am #22720

    Please don___t say I need to go to the vet. My turtle makes that sound. I___ve never really seen it only heard it. and he also spits food back in his tank but I thought that was normal. I___m going to have to take a look and see if he___s actually eating anything or spitting it all out., it___s hard to tell. We had the crushed coral and all. If this is anything to worry about does anyone know what it could be? Should I look in there with a flashlight? Please let me know. Thanks!

    Lisa Lee
    June 17, 2010 at 9:55 am #22721

    ___ I don’t see any reason for a vet visit. If your turtle is thriving and no obvious signs of disease on skin or shell it is fine. Turtles can be unique in their behavior. Lisa

  • The forum ‘Diamondback Terrapins’ is closed to new topics and replies.