Pet Turtle : Obesity

Obesity can be detected by looking carefully at the turtle. If you startle the turtle, causing it to withdraw its head, do the back legs shoot out? When the turtle lie in the basking area, does flesh spill out around the turtle's legs? If so, then the turtle is probably too fat.

Hatchlings and juveniles can also be fed too much. Rather than becoming obese, juvenile turtles divert the excess food into increased growth, which might lead to problems such as shell deformities or a decreased life span.

Remedial Measures
� Feed less and lower calorie food
� Provide the largest tank possible
� Make the turtle work for its food. If you hand feed, let him swim after your hand before you give
the food.
� Put some feeder fish in the tank for your turtle to chase.
� If your turtle is a land turtle or a semi-aquatic, let him out to play on the grass, or even in your
room. (But NOT in the kitchen! Or the Dining Table area)
� Check out the suggested dietery schedule and develop your own diet plan.