Other Turtle Discussion :: Warming Up.

[IshMaster]

I recently moved Walnut to a bigger aquarium and she is very very afraid of everything. If I approach the room she dives to the bottom with no regard for the layer of rocks covering the tank floor.

Last time I walked in to check her water temperature (new heater) she hit the rocks with the side of her neck and kind of just floated there for a minute beforing freaking out . How should I slowly let Walnut adjust to her surrondings so she isn't so frightened? Should I talk to her or leave a radio on for constant noise so walking doesn't sound like a semi-truck?

Please help.

Thanks in advanced.

[flutterby]

Just give her time. Thats all you can do.

[TexasJagsFan]

It took mine about a week before he adjusted. I changed some stuff around today, and he seemed kind of lost for a few hours but he got the hang of it.

[punkiemichelle]

Yep, they take a while to adjust to new surroundings. Just give them time and let them adjust on their own. Within' a few months they won't even move when you approach them! But it also depends on your turt, some are friendly and some are skiddish.

[IshMaster]

Okay. I was just worried about her hurting her self running into the rocks. She is getting better with me but my dad walked into the room his footsteps are way louder than mine =-P. Thanks for help.

[marisa]

If your turtle doesn't have one, buy a plastic plant from the aquarium section of the petstore and let it float in the tank. My turts love to hide in them and watch me from among the leaves. They'll feel more secure.

[flutterby]

Aren't turtles known for chewing things, isn't it possible that it might digest some of the plastic if it chews it?

[marisa]

I've never had a problem. Oh, they will try to bite them at first, but there's no scent on them (they rely more on the scent of something when food is close) and they quickly learn they're not edible.

I would not, however, get a fake plant that had really small leaves/pieces or needles like, for example anachris. There's always the chance that a piece could break off and it could be eaten.

I was in a Petco last week and noticed they had a new section of some of the more popular pond plants--anachris, duckweed, water hyacinth and one other which I forget. The pieces were all so small that I wouldn't get any of those for a tank, even though they looked fairly realistic.

[IshMaster]

Okay. She does have a wooden looking plastic thing that serves almost as a cave, it also has fake plants that are very thick.

Off topic but wow she loves Romaine Lettuce! I put it in last night I woke up this morning and there was hardly any left!

[marisa]

Try some anachris, dandelions, red leaf lettuce, etc. as well.