Turtle threw up

[ETTB1314]

Hi guys, my turtle threw up while in the midst of feeding, I think he choked and so he threw up what looked like clumps of undigested pellets, which are what I usually feed him. He gagged and vomitted twice and is in discomfort for about 5 minutes, before returning to scavenge for food again.

I've seen him gagged before like he was choking on food, also in the midst of feeding... not sure if it's a problem in his throat that is causing this?

Is he really okay, or should I play it safe and do a check with the vet? Thanks!

 

[Pokeymeg]

I would think it's a good sign that your tortoise was interested in food again immediately after, but since it's happened more than once, I'd say take him to the vet for a check up. Maybe he's just not the best at eating and chokes himself somehow, or maybe there's a medical issue that needs to be addressed.

 

[Markw84]

I wouldn't worry about this too much. Especially if your turtle is eating well and aggressively. Many of my turtles will often stuff in as much food as they can while eating only to seem to get some of it partially down and need to spit it back out. They go on eating immediately. Turtles use water forced down their throat in order to swallow food, and I've found it a common sight to see them need to spit something back up that perhaps wasn't going down right, only to immediately eat it again.

 

[ZEROPILOT]

What is the consistancy of the pellet food? Is is solid or watery? He might have gotten a big gulp of air.

 

[Markw84]

My turtles do this all the time, especially when eating pellets. As the pellets are thrown in they are really hard. The larger turtles usually just suck them up, but the smaller ones will often eat them partially, them spit back out to sort of break them up, then eat them again.

In another example of this, I will give my spotteds and terrapins mealworms as a treat sometimes. They love them and the grandkids love to sit on the patio overlooking the spotted area and toss in the worms. It goes from seeing maybe one or two spotted turtles to 15-16 wanting their share in a few minutes as they all come out from their respective hiding spots. Some will stuff in so many mealworms that they will actually spit some back up seemingly to make room so they can stuff more in.

 

[yillt]

Hi guys, my turtle threw up while in the midst of feeding, I think he choked and so he threw up what looked like clumps of undigested pellets, which are what I usually feed him. He gagged and vomitted twice and is in discomfort for about 5 minutes, before returning to scavenge for food again.

I've seen him gagged before like he was choking on food, also in the midst of feeding... not sure if it's a problem in his throat that is causing this?

Is he really okay, or should I play it safe and do a check with the vet? Thanks!

Hello. The vomiting is normal but you said you usually feed him those pellets? In my experience (and a reputable breeder told me) pellets shouldn't be fed that much. Fresh greens should be the main part of their diet and they are vital. I found that pellets are best fed soaked in water. They're easier to eat that way as well. Im sorry if I have misinterpreted your information.

 

[Yvonne G]

Hello. The vomiting is normal but you said you usually feed him those pellets? In my experience (and a reputable breeder told me) pellets shouldn't be fed that much. Fresh greens should be the main part of their diet and they are vital. I found that pellets are best fed soaked in water. They're easier to eat that way as well. Im sorry if I have misinterpreted your information.

Hi Bella:

They're talking about water turtles here. It's quite ok to feed your water turtles pellets.

 

[yillt]

Hi Bella:

They're talking about water turtles here. It's quite ok to feed your water turtles pellets.

Oh, I'm sorry. I get very confused because many people call tortoises turtles and turtles tortoises. Just ignore my advice.