African Sideneck on its Back

Question
Hello, hoping you could help... our asn has started flipping over on his back while on his basking platform. this behavior just started last night and he's already done it four times since. we've lowered the platform's suction cups so he doesn't have anything to climb on, but we are worried that he'll flip over while we aren't at home. we are probably going to do away with the platform altogether, but he really seems to enjoy basking... when he's not laying on his back. my question is: what will happen if he remains on his back for an extended period of time? thank you...

Answer
Do you suspect that he is flipping when trying to climb out of the tank? This is pretty common, and one reason I dislike docks rather than logs in the middle of the water.

If it is on its back, it will be uncomfortable and stressed, but the actual risks come from exposure- overheating, thirst, hunger, etc. Most flipped turtles will die from thirst and dehydration after several days of being upside down.

For a lot of info, try http://www.austinsturtlepage.com