Problems getting my hatchling to sunbathe
- This topic has 2 replies, 1 voice, and was last updated 21 years ago by
.
-
Posts
-
Hello, I have had a diamond back hatchling for approx. 3 weeks now and am having difficulty getting it to sunbathe. The hatchling is the size of a half-dollar and is kept in a 20 gallon (long) tank at 80 degrees. There are 5 very small fish in the tank as well, I am not sure if the fish are inhibiting the turtles natural behavior because he spends much of his time resting on the filtration system. The hatchling has only climbed up on the log (to sunbathe) twice for less then five minutes each time since we introduced him to our tank. The turtle appears to have no desire to sunbathe and/or sit out of the water on the log. Do you have any suggestions as to how I can break this behavior? I know that it is not good for the turtle to be submerged 100% of the time so I have been removing him from the tank periodically for exercise and to allow him to dry off. Any advice you can offer on how to better fulfill the needs of the turtle would be greatly appreciated. Thanks! Wally
Wally, I’d ensure the basking area has a temperature gradient of 75-92’F over their basking area (one end cooler the other warmer) so he/she can find a spot that is comfortable. (Use a thermometer or the like to measure the actual temperature of various spots in their area). Sometimes they prefer warmer temps, sometimes cooler depending on how they are feeling. Sometimes one turtle consistently likes it cooler than the next… by providing a gradient you can learn what they prefer as well as give them the option to suit their needs. Often new turtles are extremely shy about basking. Heck they become easy pickings when fully exposed in nature. Most turtles won’t use a basking area if they have no way to quickly escape or hide. Ensure they have EASY access to jump back into the water, as well as provide some greenery to hide in on/around their basking area. If their basking area is close to a doorway or other high traffic area, they are constantly being startled and continually feel threatened… stress can induce disease (lack of basking is often a sign of disease). Moving the tank and/or blocking their view of any passers may help make them feel secure enough to bask. If they don’t bask on their own when you’re pretty sure you’ve got all your bases covered as far as making them feel secure and comfortable, forcing them to bask can often get them healthy enough to where they want to bask on their own. I have some sliders that I often have to “remind” to bask. I’m thinking I need to redesign their basking area or move their tank to make it more comfortable for them. They do bask consistently for a couple weeks/months after I remind them but the fact that I have to remind them occasionally makes me think something isn’t quite right. Hope my suggestions help, Michelle —–Original Message—– From: diamondbackterrapins@yahoogroups.com [mailto:diamondbackterrapins@yahoogroups.com] On Behalf Of Walter Walas II Sent: Saturday, June 18, 2005 9:48 PM To: diamondbackterrapins@yahoogroups.com Subject: [diamondbackterrapins] Problems getting my hatchling to sunbathe Hello, I have had a diamond back hatchling for approx. 3 weeks now and am having difficulty getting it to sunbathe. The hatchling is the size of a half-dollar and is kept in a 20 gallon (long) tank at 80 degrees. There are 5 very small fish in the tank as well, I am not sure if the fish are inhibiting the turtles natural behavior because he spends much of his time resting on the filtration system. The hatchling has only climbed up on the log (to sunbathe) twice for less then five minutes each time since we introduced him to our tank. The turtle appears to have no desire to sunbathe and/or sit out of the water on the log. Do you have any suggestions as to how I can break this behavior? I know that it is not good for the turtle to be submerged 100% of the time so I have been removing him from the tank periodically for exercise and to allow him to dry off. Any advice you can offer on how to better fulfill the needs of the turtle would be greatly appreciated. Thanks! Wally
Thanks I will for sure try your advice.“Michelle E. McGuffin”
- The forum ‘Diamondback Terrapins’ is closed to new topics and replies.