Instructions
Observe the turtle habitat for signs of neglect. Look for clean water and little evidence of waste. Mild odor isn't cause for concern, but a foul stench or rotting food is a sure sign the reptiles are not in a sanitary habitat. Even if your heart is set on a single healthy-looking turtle, the condition of the entire tank matters. If a single turtle in the habitat is ill, they can all develop health problems.
Look closely at the colors of the turtle that you choose. Healthy turtles have a bright, glossy finish. If your turtle appears to have a matte finish with dull eyes, it likely has health problems.
Examine the shell for signs of wear. Avoid any turtles with peeling, cracked or discolored shells. Look at the shell in relation to the size of the turtle. If the animal seems much too large for its shell, choose another. Shell shrinkage is an indication of undernourishment.
Study the turtle's movements, watching for any imperfections. You can spot a turtle with a fractured leg by the way he favors it, for example. Look closely for swelling and injuries on the body.
Watch the turtle's response when you pick it up. Healthy specimens normally retract into their shells when being handled. A turtle that makes no attempt to hide when touched is likely to be unhealthy.
Listen intently while holding the turtle near your ear. Wheezing or "clicking" noises can indicate respiratory illness.
How to Find a Healthy Pet Turtle
If you've decided to adopt a pet turtle, you need to know more than just how to choose a habitat and food. Knowing how to find a healthy pet turtle can save the expense of vet care for a sickly animal and worse, the heartbreak of losing a brand new pet.