Thanks for the advice. I still haven't caught him basking, I hope he's doing it when I'm not around. So how often are they suppose to bask? Everyday? and for how long?
I used to keep the tank out of sight and every time i would come around they would jump. BUt then i started keeping it in the same room i watch tv and they got used to me being around. I notice they like to bask when they are in their higher off the ground tank as opposed to their summer tank which is lower. They still get spooked now and then but my female (chompy) once basked for over 5-6 hours straight just sleeping and sticking her head in a couple times for some water.
Increase the temp of the basking area before you lower the water temp below 75 and I wouldn't go below 78.
I have two female red ear sliders. Chimpy - 5.5 inches Chompy- 6.0 inches Both were born about 7/2007 Got them -- 9/2007
Basking time can vary, so there's really no amount of time that they "should" bask every day. That said, they should bask enough under proper lighting to maintain a healthy shell. My turtles bask daily, sometimes for long periods, sometimes not (as far as I can see).
"You become responsible, forever, for what you have tamed." -Antoine de Saint Exupery-
Posted: Sun Nov 02, 2008 9:48 pm 
