My Turtle Won't Move From the Corner of the Tank

Like most pets, turtles need the proper environment to thrive. If you have tank that houses more than one turtle, take care that there is no competition for basking areas, mates or food. Also make sure the turtles have access to sunlight and are given a balanced diet, or they might get sick. In addition, turtles are sensitive to low temperatures and will develop respiratory problems if the temperature in their aquarium is incorrect. Any of these problems might cause a turtle to hide in a corner of its tank. If your turtle won't move from the corner, there are a few steps you can take to fix the problem.

  1. Aggression

    • Turtles are aggressive toward one another in the confines of a small aquarium. Two males will vie for the attention of a female, and individual turtles will compete for food. If there is a big size difference between two turtles, the smaller one will be intimidated and attempt to escape from the larger one by pushing itself into a corner. Remove the dominant animal and put it in a different tank, or the subordinate turtle might not be able to feed.

    Respiratory Diseases

    • Turtles suffering from pneumonia and other less severe respiratory conditions are inactive and you might find them squeezed into a corner of their container. If a turtle has separated itself from the others and has a discharge from its nose and eyes, it has developed a cold and needs immediate treatment. Raise the temperature in this turtle̵7;s container to between 82 and 85 degrees Fahrenheit. Respiratory diseases are serious, particularly as the turtle eats less and becomes weaker.

    Wounds and Prolapsed Organs

    • Turtles are territorial, particularly in the confines of a small vivarium or aquarium. These animals will cause deep lacerations and puncture wounds to one another, by biting into feet, legs, necks and tails. Badly wounded turtles will seek refuge in a corner of their container. In the case of a prolapse, the internal sex organs -- and occasionally part of the intestines -- protrude out of the turtle̵7;s genital opening. Incorrect diet, intestinal infections, parasites or weak cloacal muscles can cause this condition and require immediate veterinary attention. Other turtles in the same container will often attempt to bite at the exposed organs and the affected animal will seek shelter in the corner of the tank.

    Metabolic Bone Disease

    • Turtles that suffer from a calcium and phosphorus imbalance and a vitamin D3 deficiency develop soft shells. These shells become deformed, and the animal has difficulty supporting itself on its hind legs. The shells are so soft that they easily damage when you attempt to pick the animal up. Turtles suffering from metabolic bone disease are inactive because it is difficult to move around. They will normally hide or rest in a corner.