How Turtles Balance On Their Back Legs

It is unusual to see turtles standing on their hind legs, but not impossible. There are several videos online of turtles standing on their back legs, and some owners have reported their pet turtles standing on their hind legs during dinner time. This could be because they think their owners are planning on starving them. It is also possible for turtles to flip themselves over if they end up on their backs, and they can do this by taking advantage of their shell shape, neck, and additional limbs.

Why do turtles stand on their hind legs?

It is not very common to see turtles standing on their hind legs, but some turtles have been observed doing so. There are several reasons why a turtle might stand on its hind legs:

Exploration and Navigation

Turtles may use their hind legs to help them explore and navigate their environment. For example, if a turtle is in an enclosure with steep climbs or small perches, it may need to use its hind legs to steady itself or to climb. Additionally, some turtles may use their hind legs to push off objects or walls to move around, especially if they are on their backs.

Self-Righting

If a turtle ends up on its back, it may use its hind legs, in addition to its neck, shell shape, and tail, to try to right itself. Aquatic turtles with flatter shells, such as sliders, painted turtles, and mud turtles, are more likely to be able to flip themselves over.

Hunger and Begging for Food

Some turtles have been observed standing on their hind legs when they are hungry and begging for food. This behaviour may be more common during dinner time or when their owners are nearby.

Health Issues

In some cases, a turtle standing on its hind legs may be indicative of a health issue, such as constipation or intestinal impaction, which can cause paralysis or dragging of the rear legs. Tumors and bladder stones can also affect a turtle's mobility.

While it is not definitively known why turtles stand on their hind legs, several factors, including exploration, self-righting, hunger, and health issues, may contribute to this behaviour.

Can turtles walk on land?

Turtles are known to have both aquatic and terrestrial traits, and while some species are semi-aquatic, others are primarily land-dwelling. So, can turtles walk on land?

The short answer is yes, turtles can walk on land. However, their ability to move on land varies depending on the species and the shape of their shell. Some turtles, such as aquatic species like sliders, painted turtles, and mud turtles, have flatter shells that allow them to flip themselves over and walk on land. Other species with different shell shapes may have physical characteristics that make it more challenging to move in this way.

It's important to note that turtles are not typically known for their agility on land. They have a unique gait and move at a slower pace compared to other animals. Their movement on land is often described as a "walk," but it is quite different from the walking motion of mammals. Turtles use their strong legs and necks to push themselves forward, and their shell shape can also provide leverage to help with movement.

Additionally, some turtles may have difficulty flipping themselves back over if they end up on their backs. This is more common in tortoises, which are primarily land-dwelling. To prevent this, it is important to ensure that their enclosure does not have steep climbs or perches that are too small for them. Providing a suitable substrate, such as a soft surface, can also make it easier for them to right themselves.

In conclusion, while turtles can walk on land, their mobility varies depending on their species and shell shape. Some turtles are more adapted to aquatic environments, while others are better suited to terrestrial habitats. It is important for owners to understand the specific needs and capabilities of their turtle species to provide a safe and suitable environment for their pet.

What to do if your turtle is sick and dragging its rear legs?

If your turtle is dragging its rear legs, it could be suffering from paralysis caused by intestinal impaction. This can be diagnosed by taking an X-ray of the turtle. Treatment can range from laxatives to surgery. Intestinal impaction is often caused by accumulated and hardened fecal matter, small rocks, or other objects. Tumors and bladder stones can also cause this issue.

If your turtle is a female, it may be egg-bound, which can also be diagnosed via X-ray. In some cases, it is possible to crush or aspirate the eggs inside the turtle's body, allowing them to be passed.

Another possible cause of hind leg paralysis is a diet that is too low in protein. To address this, you can adjust your turtle's diet to include more animal protein. Here is a suggested weekly diet:

• Monday: Kitten food, such as Iams kitten, or high-protein turtle food.
• Wednesday: Nightcrawler earthworms (one to two dozen).
• Friday: Fresh chicken liver from the supermarket.
• Sunday: Veggie day, followed by fruit (if veggies were consumed) such as half a banana, strawberries, grapes, or cantaloupe.

In addition to making dietary changes, you should also consult a veterinarian, especially if your turtle is showing other signs of illness, such as a lack of appetite or lethargy. The veterinarian may recommend X-rays, blood tests, or cultures to determine the cause of the issue and provide appropriate treatment.

If your turtle is sick and dragging its rear legs, time is of the essence. Act quickly and provide your turtle with the necessary care and treatment to give it the best chance of recovery.

How can turtles flip themselves over when on their backs?

It may seem like a turtle on its back is in an unfixable situation, but it is possible for turtles to flip themselves over. Aquatic turtles with flatter shells, such as sliders, painted turtles, map turtles, and mud turtles, can flip themselves over. The specific method depends on the shape of their shell, the length of their neck, and the length of their legs and tail.

Turtles take advantage of their shell shape by using the leverage to flip toward the side that is on the floor. Their necks also provide extra leverage to push with. The turtle's legs and tail contribute to flipping over, as the combined effort of these limbs may be just enough to right the turtle.

To prevent a turtle from flipping over, avoid placing them on their backs and ensure their enclosure doesn't contain steep climbs or small perches that they could fall from. A soft substrate can also make it harder for a turtle to flip itself back over.

If a turtle is in water, ensure the tank is large enough and the water is deep enough for them to swim and correct their position. The minimum depth of the water should be two times the length of the turtle's carapace.

What does it mean if a turtle is standing upright?

It is unusual for a turtle to stand on its hind legs, and there are several possible explanations for this behaviour. Firstly, it could be a sign of excitement or eagerness, especially during feeding time, as some turtles have been observed standing on their hind legs when anticipating food. This behaviour might be interpreted as the turtle "begging" for food, similar to how a dog might stand on its hind legs when asking for a treat.

Another possible explanation is that the turtle is attempting to right itself if it has ended up on its back. Turtles can usually flip themselves back over by using their shell shape, neck, and legs to generate leverage and push themselves towards the side that is on the floor. This is more challenging for tortoises and land turtles, which have a harder time flipping themselves over due to their shell shape and other physical characteristics.

In some cases, a turtle standing on its hind legs could indicate a health issue. Hind leg paralysis in turtles can be caused by intestinal impaction, which may be the result of constipation, dietary issues (such as a lack of protein), or the ingestion of foreign objects like rocks or hardened fecal matter. Treatment for this condition ranges from laxatives to surgery, depending on the severity and underlying cause.

Finally, a turtle standing upright could simply be a result of individual variation or unique personality traits. Some turtles may be more playful or curious than others and explore different positions and behaviours.

If you are concerned about your turtle's behaviour or notice any other unusual symptoms, it is always best to consult a veterinarian for advice and guidance.

Frequently asked questions