Ask Dr Claire

My turtle had lost his lower jaw. Where am I lacking in his care?

I’m not sure if you mean that his lower jaw has broken, most of these problems are due to an inadequate diet or a lack of Vitamin A.

In addition to his pellets, 30-40% of his diet needs to come from vegetables such as corn, dark leafy greens, pumpkin, sweet potato. They should be grated or diced finely so that he can’t be selective. Melon is also high in Vitamin A.

He may need a Vitamin A injection form your local vet in the case that he’s chronically deficient.

A hands-on examination from your local vet would be a great place to start, and ASAP.

If you’d like to chat in person, you can get a vet on a live video call or start a chat to discuss in more detail now.

We’re here to help!

Chat soon,

Dr Claire