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Velvet Digest

How Long Can turtles go without water?

Author

Christopher Harper

Updated on June 03, 2026

A baby turtle can't go more than a couple of days without water, and not more than a week or two without food. Small adult turtles can go longer, especially if they are in a state of brumation (reduced body function due to low temperatures). Water is still needed to prevent dehydration.

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Beside this, how long can turtles be out of water?

Turtles can probably last out of water for hours, or maybe even days at a time (depending on the temperature, humidity, and species), but you shouldn't keep them out for more than 30min, and you should keep a constant eye on them.

Secondly, can turtles go without water? Quora.com notes that “A turtle especially an aquatic or sea turtle… lives its entire live life in and out and near water.” However, when the humidity is low, the aquatic and semi-aquatic ones can stay out of water for about a week.

Similarly, how Long Can turtles go without food or water?

However, as per the general rule of thumb, an adult healthy turtle can live months without any food. To all the good turtle owners, it is never recommended to leave your turtle without any food for more than several weeks.

Why is my turtle staying out of the water?

The two most common reasons an aquatic turtle species such as a red-eared slider or painted turtle doesn't actually go into the water is because the water temperature is too low, or it is sick. First things first, not all turtles spend the same amount of time in the water.

Related Question Answers

Do turtles like to be held?

Turtles prefer to be alone, and they never welcome being picked up and handled. Because turtles aren't affectionate, don't like to be held, stroked or cuddled and don't play with toys, many people lose interest and cease to take proper care of them.

What kills a turtle?

Opossums, weasels, skunks and ferrets will all kill turtles if given the opportunity. In some instances, these animals bite at and chew any part that the turtle can not retract deeply enough into its shell.

Can I put my turtle in the sun?

Turtles bask in the sun in the wild because the sun helps them produce a vitamin necessary for good health; your lamp will act as the sun. Without it, over time, your turtle will die. Turtles require 12 hours of sun a day! Also, do not take your turtle in and out of the tank; it can severely affect its immune system.

How can I tell if my turtle is dying?

Signs of disease in turtles may be specific for a certain disease, such as nasal discharge in the case of a respiratory infection. "More commonly, signs of illness arenon-specific, such as a turtle with anorexia (lack of appetite) and lethargy, which can be seen with many diseases."

Why do turtles die at home?

A more simplified list of why turtles die in household captivity: Drowning in water bowl. Getting stuck upside down in shallow water. Tank mates - they can turn on each other at the drop of a hat.

Can you take turtles out of their tank?

Around 80°F during the day, 70°F at night. Turtles require 12 hours of sun a day! Also, do not take your turtle in and out of the tank; it can severely affect its immune system. Keep your turtle away from any other pets that can do harm to it.

Do turtles sleep in water?

At night they sleep underwater, usually resting on the bottom or floating on the surface, using their inflated throat as a flotation aid. Diet: These turtles are omnivorous – eating a variety of aquatic plants, insects, snails, fish, carrion and other small aquatic prey.

How do you play with your turtle?

Turtles love to play with an empty shell. These shells can slide across the floor and they like to chase them. Also, you can place small rafts on the tank. Your turtles will get crazy over them.

How often should I feed my turtle?

Juvenile turtles are the ones who need the most frequent feeding. They need vitamin and calcium supplements about three times a week and should be fed every day. They're typically the most active during mornings and afternoons, so those are good times to feed your turtle.

Is my turtle sick?

How can I tell if my turtle is sick? More commonly, signs of illness arenon-specific, such as a turtle with anorexia (lack of appetite) and lethargy, which can be seen with many diseases. ANY deviation from normal is a cause for concern, and your pet turtle requires immediate evaluation by your veterinarian.

Why isnt my red eared slider eating?

Why isn't my red eared slider turtle eating? Confirm proper water levels (your turtle should be able to swim easily) and feed your turtle in the water. Try new foods such as live worms, crickets, or fish. If your RES is unable to catch a fish, hold the fish with tongs until your turtle gets it.

Why is my turtle not eating?

Your turtle is most likely not eating due to environmental issues. However, your turtle may also be suffering from some sort of illness. By adjusting your turtle's environment, recognizing signs of illness, and being creative during feedings, you can get your turtle to eat.

Why is my turtle not eating or swimming?

He's not eating. There are different symptoms of a sick turtle, some of which can be solved by adjusting his habitat. If the water is too cold, that could be the reason he is not eating; he's preparing himself for hibernation. One day, my turtle (a baby soft shell) started swimming erratically in his aquarium.

Do turtles get lonely?

Turtles are not social creatures. They do not get lonely and do not need a friend. You can always put more than one turtle in the same tank, though some species tend to be more aggressive and some may fight, so this is best handled on a case by case basis. Turtles DO carry salmonella (so do all other reptiles).

Can you leave a turtle alone for a week?

Anything can go wrong if a tank is left alone. As best you can, it's never a good idea to leave your turtle without any food for more than a few weeks. Especially if it has become accustomed to this, and more so when it is still young and growing.

Can turtles drown?

Because turtles aren't fish, they don't have gills, which means they can't breathe under water. That means that turtles can't stay underwater all the time. They can hold their breath for a very long time, but they have to come up to breathe every so often, or they will drown. There are no SCUBA tanks for turtles.

How do turtles sleep?

At night they sleep underwater, usually resting on the bottom or floating on the surface, using their inflated throat as a flotation aid.

How old do turtles live?

The lifespan of a turtle varies greatly depending on the species of turtle. For example, a typical pet turtle can live between 10-80 years or so while larger species can easily live over 100 years. According to the “Guinness Book of World Records”, sea turtles have the longest lifespan of up to 152 years.

Can turtles live without a shell?

Tortoises and turtles absolutely cannot live without their shells. It is fused to the tortoises' and turtles' bones so they cannot live without it. In fact, the shell of a tortoise or turtle has nerve endings, which means it can feel you touching it and it hurts when the shell is damaged.