We all know that turtles aren’t the most versatile or flexible creatures, but there are times when agility and mobility will save a turtle’s life. They will be turned upside down at some point.
Yes, upside-down turtles will turn over, but each species of turtle has a unique shape, and the way they turn over varies by species. The majority of turtles may turn over, but some may struggle more than others.
How do turtles flip themselves back over
While turtles might seem inflexible, an upside down turtle can show the ingenuity and craftiness that is oftentimes overlooked. When a turtle gets flipped upside down, they will first use their head to tilt back over. They will stick their head out to one side, which will cause the their body to shift slightly.
Next, they will use their feet to push off against the ground, and give themselves enough lift to flip back onto their side.
If you want to see some other crazy things a turtle can do, you should check out my video below:
How Turtles Got Turned Upside Down?
A predator is the most common reason for a turtle being turned over in the wild. When turtles are hit, they withdraw into their shells and remain there until the attacker has left. And although the predator may sometimes leave the turtle alone, it may do so in an upside-down position.
Turtles are sometimes turned over by other turtles. Male turtles will compete for a female turtle during the mating season.
Another explanation may be their erratic climbing abilities. Turtles aren’t always the strongest climbers, and as a result, they will sometimes tip over and even fall over on their backs.
When it comes to turtles as pets, the explanations are similar. If you keep two turtles in the same cage, they might get bored and fight each other, which could result in one of them being turned over.
If you let them out of the enclosure and have a dog or cat, they will attempt to play with the turtle, which might result in the turtle being turned upside down.
What Happens If a Turtle Stays Upside Down?
When turtles are turned upside down, they become trapped; they are unable to move and therefore have no means of obtaining food. Under normal conditions, turtles cannot last long without food. Another thing they won’t have is access to water, which may be more of a challenge than you would think. Turtles can quickly become dehydrated depending on the weather, especially if they don’t have access to water or are exposed to direct sunlight.
Another issue is that they are much more vulnerable to predators when they are upside down. They can still hide in the shell, but they won’t be able to flee. This indicates that if the predator is able to break their shell, they have simply become a free meal.
What Causes A Turtle To Keep Flipping Over?
Turtles that are on their backs are particularly vulnerable. It can sometimes be very difficult to get back on their feet. If your pet is constantly turning over, there could be something wrong with him/her..
Turtle Illness
When swimming, turtles with severe respiratory infections, such as those caused by vitamin A deficiency, can tilt to the side, causing them to flip over. A lack of vitamin A changes a turtle’s mucous membranes in their eyes, mouth, and respiratory tract. Early signs of an infection include lack of appetite, nasal discharge, eyelid swelling and discharge, ear swelling, and bubbling in the mouth. By the time the turtle starts tilting or turning, it’s already too late.
Fighting Turtles
If you keep multiple turtles together and notice that one is always flipped on his back, pay attention to their behavior. If you have multiple male turtles in a tank along with a female turtle, there is a good chance they will eventually compete with each other to win over the female. When breeding season arrives, adult male turtles will begin to fight for females.
Problems with Aquariums
Your turtle is protected by the right aquarium setup; the wrong one might kill him. It’s important that your tank is big enough for your turtle to swim freely. This involves the aquarium’s length as well as the water’s depth. Sometimes, in improper basking platform can cause a turtle to keep flipping over. It is important to have a basking platform that your turtle can easily access without falling over. This means the platform should not have a steep incline.
