Coping Strategies: When Your Pet Turtle Passes Away

Losing a pet is always difficult, and it can be hard to know what to do when a pet turtle dies. One of the first steps is to determine whether your turtle is actually dead, as it can sometimes be hard to tell, especially if they are brumating (the hibernation process for cold-blooded animals). There are several signs you can look for to determine whether your turtle is dead, such as a lack of response to stimulation, a bad smell, and floating in water. Once you have confirmed your turtle has passed away, you can decide how to dispose of their body. Options include burial, cremation, or using a dead animal removal service. It is important to act quickly, as the body will start to decompose and attract microorganisms and worms.

Check for signs of death

It can be tricky to know if your turtle is really dead, especially since brumation—the hibernation process for cold-blooded animals—can cause turtles to become highly inactive and unresponsive. If you find your turtle unresponsive, take it to the vet before declaring it dead.

Legs, Tail, and Head Not Retracted

Check if your turtle's legs, tail, and head are at least partially (and often completely) out of their shell. If they are retracted within their shell, they are not dead. Dead turtles will also have very limp limbs and heads if they are picked up; they cannot hold their heads upright.

No Response to Stimulation

A turtle that has passed away will not respond to any stimulation. For example, turning on their heat lamp, placing food or water near them, picking them up, or gently touching them will not evoke a response. Note that you should never flip a turtle on its back to check for a response, as this is extremely stressful for a turtle that is alive.

Cold to the Touch

If your turtle feels abnormally cold, they could be dead. However, this is not a definitive sign, as a brumating turtle may also feel cold to the touch.

Bad Smell

Dead turtles will start to decompose shortly after death, releasing foul gases that cause a bad odour. This can occur within a day if the temperature is cooler.

Flies and Maggots

If you find maggots or flies on your turtle's body, they are most likely dead. While a brumating turtle's immune system is weakened, making it easier for injuries to become infested, a turtle covered in flies or maggots is more likely deceased.

Lack of Arousal from Heat

If your turtle doesn't respond to heat after 24 hours, they are probably severely ill or deceased. In most cases, brumation is terminated by using a heating lamp, and a healthy turtle will respond within a few hours.

Preserve the shell

If you want to keep your pet turtle's shell as a memento, there are several ways to preserve it. Here are some detailed, step-by-step instructions:

Burying the Turtle

Some people prefer to bury their pet turtles and keep the shell as a souvenir. To do this, wrap the turtle in a biodegradable plastic bag and bury it in a deep hole. Make sure to check local regulations for burial requirements, such as the minimum depth of the hole. After a few months, you can carefully dig up the shell, wash it, and keep it as a cherished memory.

Freezing the Turtle

If you need more time to decide what to do with your pet turtle's body, you can temporarily store it in a freezer. This will help prevent decomposition and the development of foul odours. Place the turtle in a sealed bag, such as a ziplock bag, and then put it in the freezer. Be aware that this is only a temporary solution, as the turtle will need to be buried or cremated eventually.

Taxidermy Services

If you want to preserve the shell in its original state, consider seeking the services of a professional taxidermist. They will be able to clean, treat, and preserve the shell so that it lasts for many years. However, this option can be quite expensive, so be sure to get quotes from multiple taxidermists before making a decision.

Cremation

If you choose to cremate your pet turtle, you can keep the shell as a memento. Contact your local vet, who may have connections with pet cremation services. Even if you don't want the ashes, some cremation services will return the turtle's bones and shell to you. This option allows you to keep a piece of your beloved pet with you always.

Burial or cremation

When a pet turtle passes away, you may choose to bury or cremate it. Here are some options and guidelines for both:

Burial

Burial is a common method for laying a pet turtle to rest. It is essential to handle the turtle with care and use a pair of disposable gloves to avoid direct contact. Place the turtle in a plastic bag, then put the bag inside a box. The next step is to bury the box in a deep hole, ensuring you comply with local regulations for burial depth and location. Avoid areas near power lines, water bodies, or flood-prone zones. You can mark the burial site with a small tree or plant to create a memorial.

Cremation

Cremation is another option for saying goodbye to your pet turtle. Contacting a veterinarian is a good first step, as they may have resources for pet cremation services or be able to make arrangements for you. While cremation can be expensive, it offers an alternative to burial, especially if you are concerned about animals disturbing the burial site.

Additional Considerations

It is important to act quickly after a turtle's death, as decomposition can begin within 16 to 32 hours, leading to unpleasant odours and the attraction of harmful microorganisms. If you are unsure about the cause of death or wish to explore other options, you can consult a veterinarian or a local dead animal removal service for guidance.

Euthanising a turtle

There are several methods of euthanising a turtle, but it is worth noting that none of them are foolproof, and they should not be performed at home. The best option is to consult an experienced reptile veterinarian who can advise on the best course of action and perform the procedure safely and humanely.

One method is a lethal injection, which is considered relatively humane and painless. However, due to the unique physiology of turtles, there is a chance that the turtle's brain may remain active even after the injection, leading to potential suffering. To mitigate this risk, some experts recommend a combination of a lethal injection followed by pithing, which involves destroying the brain with a needle or rod inserted through the mouth or back of the head.

Another method mentioned in some sources is euthanasia by freezing. However, this method is now generally considered inhumane as it can cause pain to the turtle due to the formation of ice crystals in their tissues.

Other methods such as decapitation, gassing, and euthanasia by sedation are also mentioned, but these may not be as effective or humane as the previously mentioned options.

The decision to euthanise a pet turtle is never easy, and it is important to weigh the options carefully. Consulting with a qualified veterinarian is essential to ensure the well-being of your turtle and to make an informed decision.

Common causes of turtle death

When a pet turtle owner suspects their turtle may have passed away, it is important to first look for signs of brumation, a cold-blooded animal's version of hibernation. During brumation, a turtle's body systems slow down and they can appear lifeless. However, if the turtle is retracted within its shell, it is likely not dead.

• Drowning in Shrimp Nets: Turtles can accidentally drown in shrimp nets, especially in commercial fishing operations. In the United States, shrimp fishers are required to use Turtle Excluder Devices, which allow turtles to escape, but thousands of turtles still perish each year.
• Ingesting Trash: Sea turtles, especially leatherbacks, often mistake plastic bags, plastic pellets, and balloons for jellyfish and ingest them. This can lead to intestinal blockages and reduced appetite. Additionally, turtles can become entangled in ropes, plastic bags, and other discarded plastic items.
• Oil Spills: Oil spills can be detrimental to sea turtles. They can accidentally ingest oil or chemical dispersants when they surface, leading to potential ulcers, organ damage, gastrointestinal issues, immune suppression, and even death. Oil on nesting beaches can also decrease hatching success.
• Boat Strikes and Propeller Injuries: In areas with a high level of recreational boating, such as southern Florida and the Florida Keys, sea turtles are at risk of propeller and collision injuries from boats. These incidents can cause severe harm and even death.
• Wart-like Tumors (Fibropapillomas): Sea turtles may develop fibropapillomas on their skin and internal organs. These growths can reduce vision, hinder swimming and feeding abilities, and increase susceptibility to secondary infections and parasitism. Unfortunately, there is currently no cure for this condition.
• Natural Predators: While adult sea turtles have few natural predators, large sharks, such as tiger sharks, and killer whales are known to prey on them. Additionally, eggs and hatchlings are at a higher risk, with over 90% of hatchlings being eaten by predators such as fishes, dogs, seabirds, raccoons, and ghost crabs.

Frequently asked questions