Habitat - Indoor :: Basking help please!

[jturtle89]

I have one medium size RES (erine). I'm new at this and I was told by the pet store people that i needed to put a basking area in the tank. I purchased one of those T Rex moving platforms. But she wouldn't climb on to it. I went back and they told me to anchor it. I used tank sealent to attach it to the tank, but she still won't climb on it. I look around on this site and saw that some turtles are shy and won't bask in front of you, but i never seen her even close to the basking area. Does anyone have any suggestions?

[grey goose]

Don't worry. Ernie just has to get used to his new surroundings and you. Be patient, and don't hover....He'll bask soon enough.

[jturtle89]

I'm concerned though. I wouldn't be if i had this turtle for couple weeks, but i've had her for about three months.

[marisa]

Can she get on it easily? You could test her by putting some food on it and see if it disappears. I've actually held the food in my hand and gotten my RES to get on the basking area to take it from my fingers (they have to eat in water, so your turtle would take it back into the water to eat).

What is the temp of the water and basking area? If the water is too warm your turtle has noincentive to bask (water temp 78F, basking area temp 88-90F).