doesnt want to bask

Hi there, As Rcftx mentioned the basking light(s) are paramount… one for heat and one that provides UVA&UVB for proper calcium metabolism. (You can get lights that produce both heat and UV but I have no experience with these as they can be a bit pricey and old habits die hard). Turtles need sunlight (UV rays) to make vitamin D… which is very important for calcium absorption and utilization. Vitamin D also helps fight depression and modulate the immune system in people… very important to keep a healthy turtle. Another thing is, since your home is likely cooler in the winter your little guys water could very likely be too cool. Turtles get sleepy and just hang around in the water when water temperatures drop. Turtles depend on external temperatures to keep their metabolism going. I would suggest picking up a good water heater and setting it for around 26’C or 78-80’F. Check out this previous thread on heaters: http://groups.yahoo.com/group/diamondbackterrapins/message/7080 Hope this helps some. Keep us posted on how things go! Michelle —–Original Message—– From: animlhelpr [mailto:animlhelpr@…] Sent: Friday, January 28, 2005 4:09 PM To: diamondbackterrapins@yahoogroups.com Subject: [diamondbackterrapins] doesnt want to bask my dbt doesnt ever want to bask on his rock that i have set up.i take him out daily to run around the apt. but on his own all he doese is swim.is this normal? also i will be purchasing a heating lamp soon but am wondering if the reason he is not basking is because there is no lamp right now.oh i should let you know i am in n.y. so its cold out and the tank is not heated.p.s. in the summer she baskes all the time. thank you Yahoo! Groups Links — No virus found in this incoming message. Checked by AVG Anti-Virus. Version: 7.0.300 / Virus Database: 265.7.4 – Release Date: 1/25/2005 — No virus found in this outgoing message. Checked by AVG Anti-Virus. Version: 7.0.300 / Virus Database: 265.7.4 – Release Date: 1/25/2005