Answer to Question 1
Any frothing or foaming at the mouth or around the nose, or running at the eyes, would indicate an
unhealthy animal. If the animal shows bite wounds or marks of other injuries, these should be healed and
scarred over. One should avoid purchasing animals with open wounds, wounds that are seeping, or wounds
that do not appear to be healing. A turtle that is sick will usually drag the rear of its shell on the ground
instead of carrying the shell horizontally off the ground. Aquatic turtles that are sick may lean to one side
when in the water. Look carefully for parasites. Avoid animals that appear to be heavily infested.
Answer to Question 2
The reptile should be observed carefully, making sure it has been eating or is eating. An animal that has been
eating and is well nourished will be filled out, and its ribs, vertebrae, and pelvic bone will be covered and not
show. The animal's eyes should be open, and the animal should be alert to its surroundings. Its mouth should
be closed