General Care Discussion

Posted: Sat Jul 28, 2007 4:57 pm **Frequent Basking**

A few weeks ago I built an above tank basking area for Duckie. At first i was having trouble getting him to go up and bask at all but after a few days he got the hang of it and since then he is almost constantly basking. As soon as i turn the lights on in the morning he heads straight up there and he stays there alomost all day. I wouldn't say he's lethatrgic because he does go for an occasional dip in his tank and he still jumps down if he's startled but he seems to be basking way more than when he just had the floating dock. Is this ok or should i be worried?

Posted: Sat Jul 28, 2007 5:58 pm

As long as he goes for his occassional swim, and isn't sluggish, then I wouldn't worry. It is important that he rehydrates himself once in awhile, but it sounds like he is doing that. Mine bask frequently when left alone.

Posted: Sat Jul 28, 2007 8:38 pm

Ok. Thanx Missi! I'm glad to hear there's nothing to be worried about. He has been shedding alot lately. Could that be a reason for so much basking?

Posted: Sun Jul 29, 2007 3:11 am

Wait, no pics of the above tank basking area???

Anyway, I'm sure most RES would excessively bask if they could. As long as it isn't too hot in there, I wouldn't worry about it.

Is he shedding his shell or skin?

Posted: Tue Jul 31, 2007 4:23 pm

His shell is shedding. It has been for about a month or so. Would that make him want to bask more often?

Posted: Tue Jul 31, 2007 4:31 pm

Possible. The basking helps the scutes to shed.

Posted: Tue Jul 31, 2007 8:29 pm

What is the temperature of the water and what is the temperature in the basking area?

Posted: Tue Jul 31, 2007 11:02 pm

The water stays between 76-78 F and the basking temp is about 90.

Steve, I'll be posting some pics ofthe basking area soon. Its nothing spectacular. I just made it out of plexiglass but Duckie really seems to be enjoying it. And he has way more room in his tank since i can fill it to the top with water now.

Posted: Wed Aug 01, 2007 4:57 am

Petri's been basking a lot more lately too...

Some times she even stays up on her platform after I've turned off the lights for the night. It eventually must start to cool down up there with the light off (the ceramic heat emitter stays on) because she usually heads back into the water after half an hour or so.

I think she likes to watch tv. I've been spending more time in my room lately and she's taken to basking facing the television when it's on!

General Care Discussion :: Frequent Basking

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