Habitat - Indoor :: Is it neccessary to provide a hiding place for my turtle?

[RESCHIU]

I currently don't have a place for my turtle to hide, I've been trying to find a "ridge tile" but not much luck , is it bad that they don't have a place to hide? I just want my turtle to get use to the surrounding and not trying to hide from outside all the time. However, my turtle seems to get used to me(such as when he's basking, I can walk up to him and he wouldn't make any major movement, he would even let me touch his shell) If you think what I'm doing is not good for my turtle please let me know, thanks

[sonyj]

Each turtle is different in personality, some more outgoing - some more shy. But it's important for any turtle to have a place to go should they feel afraid, scared, shy etc. Large leafy type fake plants work well. Once they sit in them or behind them they feel safe (even if you still can see them).

[daredevilgirl013]

I suggest a hiding place. If you look at my pictures in the picture gallery I have tons of hiding places. My fake plants provide a wonderful hiding place that Michelangelo loves, and so do the real plants. Also he likes to hide on his water heater. Plus I left the big fake rock angled so that he has a corner that is hidden to us to where we have to stick our heads over that spot to see him past the fake plants, but he's sheltered.

Having a hiding spot reduces stress so the turtles relax more and it also makes them feel safe, especially if they want to go to sleep.

[marisa]

Some fake plants in the tank would provide not only a hiding place, but a resting place as well.

[sassygirl]

My turtle loves to eat the anacharis so I bought about 4 bundles one day. She now sleeps in the anacharis, i believe it gives her the hiding she needs. She's been much happier since we started doing this.

[RESCHIU]

I got some fake plant for my turtle yesterday, I just want to make sure, are there specific kind of material in fake plant that might be toxic/irritating for turtle? where can I get anacharis by the way?

[daredevilgirl013]

There is no toxic material in fake aquarium plants that I know of.

As for Anacharis, any pet store should carry it, if not Ebay has it.

[sonyj]

The only thing I've heard about being dangerous with fake plants was a post a while ago about some Styrofoam being made on a plant at the base of it and the turtle ate it. It made the turtle ill but he recovered after a while under vet treatment. Other than that most fake plants should be fine. Just make sure there are no small parts that could fall off or be bit off and be ingested by your turtle.

[marisa]

As far as the leaves, stalks, etc., if you get the fake plants at an petstore, they've been made with fish in mind. If they're safe for fish, they'll certainly be safe for turtles...

Sassygirl, my baby Painted does the same thing with the anacharis I have in the tank for him. He hasn't gotten into eating it (yet) and also uses the long strands like climbing ropes.