Turtles are beloved pets, kept by many for their hardiness, long lifespan, and gentle temperament. However, some owners may notice their turtles floating on the surface of the water , sometimes even tilting or losing their balance . This raises concerns: Is the turtle sick? Can it still breathe and eat normally? What should you do if your turtle is floating?
This article will analyze in depth the main reasons why turtles float on water and provide corresponding solutions to help you better care for your pet turtle and help it grow healthily.
1. Common reasons why turtles float
The reasons why turtles float can be categorized into three main types: physiological, disease-related, and environmental .
1.1 Normal phenomenon: Is it normal for turtles to float on the water occasionally?
✅ Floating on the surface of the water after resting or sunbathing : Turtles sometimes float on the surface of the water as a resting behavior , especially after sunbathing.
✅ Adjusting buoyancy : Some turtles will intentionally control their buoyancy to float in the water and observe their surroundings.
✅ Temporary adaptation after water change : After being moved to a new water environment, turtles may float on the surface for a short period of time while waiting to adapt to the new water quality.
