If you notice that your turtle is constantly twitching their head, it can be very concerning. For starters, you should make sure that your turtle is not just stretching their neck, which is a very normal behavior. Additionally, it is common for turtles to wipe their head against the glass when they come up to bask. This is a normal behavior and should not cause any panic.
A red-eared slider or any aquatic might excessively twitch their head while they are basking. While the exact reason might only be determined by a vet, I have a couple reasons why your turtle might be twitching their head.
Why is my red eared slider twitching?
The main causes of Red Eared Slider twitching are respiratory illness, metabolic bone disease, vitamin deficiency, parasites, and unsafe tank conditions.
Respiratory illness
The main cause of twitching in turtles is because of a respiratory illness. If your turtle develops a respiratory illness and infection, it can cause a wide range of symptoms including eye and mouth discharge, coughing, lethargy, gasping, and shaking/twitching. If the infection is severe enough to where it reaches their lungs, your turtle will have a very hard time breathing.
If you suspect your turtle has a respiratory illness, you should try this reptile immune support.
You can learn more about respiratory illness in the video below:
Another common sign of respiratory illness in turtles is when they open their mouth while they are underwater. The main causes of respiratory illness in turtles is bacteria and vitamin a deficiency.
Metabolic bone disease
Metabolic bone disease (MBD) can also cause twitching in turtles. The twitching from MBD usually cause the turtle’s entire body to twitch and tremble. The main cause of MBD in turtles is a deficiency of calcium and phosphorus. This severely weakens the turtle’s bones and their shell.
As MBD advances in turtles, it causes them to lose movement, and can make them start to twitch and shake.
A great way to ensure your turtle gets enough calcium is to use a calcium block.
Vitamin Deficiency
Your red eared slider’s diet could also cause the twitching. The most important is vitamin A, which helps maintain a healthy respiratory system. You can ensure your turtle is getting enough Vitamin A by giving them a lot of green leafy vegetables.
Parasites
Unfortunately, turtles can also be infected by parasites. Most of the time, parasites enter a turtle tank when they hide inside of natural plants. Therefore, it is very important that you thoroughly wash any plant before you put it inside your tank. In serious infestations, your turtle might start shaking and twitching if their body is covered in parasites.
Unsafe Tank Conditions
Your turtle might also be twitching because you do not have a proper tank setup. Remember, your turtle should have a large dry area that is under a UV lamp where they can properly bask. This is essential in order for them to warm up their body and get enough vitamin D3.
The water in your tank might also be too warm or cold which can cause twitching. The ideal water temperature for a red-eared slider is around 76 degrees fahrenheight. You might also want to add some conditioner into your water. This is especially true if you use tap water for your turtle tank, as it is usually contaminated with chlorine.