redearslider.com

Unfortunately, when I set up my tanks, the only area they could go in hosts a decent amount of foot traffic. While my female is pretty bold and basks just fine either way, my male always panics and jumps in the water at the very sight (and sound) of people on the other side of the room. For some reason, it has recently scared him so badly that he will stay underwater for the rest of the day, even if he has been basking for less than an hour.

I don't want to take away his opportunities to fully dry off, so I made a cardboard barrier and attached it around the top of his tank. Do you guys think this will help make him bask (i.e., he can't see anybody) or will seeing a solid wall intimidate him? He still hasn't come out with it there, but I'm trying to be patient as it's only been a day and a half since I put it up, and I know RES take time to adjust to environmental changes.

It might just take some time but should get used to it. Sound will also make mine jump back in the water.

Thanks for the reassurance, Kansas. On the bright side, having an alert turtle is far less concerning than having a lethargic one!

My turtles are on one side of my basement seperated by a wall. In order not to disturb them but still keep track of their basking I installed a small one way mirror. Just thought you might find that interesting.

Funny--I was just thinking about how I wish I could install an "interrogation" window into my house! How much was your mirror?

Local glass shop. 12 dollars

Its 4x10"

Thank you very much! I will look into that--I have a couple of glass stores about an hour away from me.

How long has the tank been there? My female RES is exactly the same way. Either she's very frightened or she thinks she can get me to feed her something. One thing I learned is to not interact with her when it happens. No eye contact, acknowledgment, or anything. A few minutes later she will be back basking.

Thanks for your reply, Steve! Since I upgraded him to this tank, it's been up for about a month. Usually, the only time I'm in the room, I'll be on my way out of the house--so I don't really get to interact with him after he jumps in, either.

It should be something he gets used to quickly. I'd bet he goes right back up.