General Care Discussion :: Eyes Closed While Basking

[Racer_X_123]

I have 2 RES's and they are hatchilings. I just got them the Exo-terra 5.0 uvb Compact Florecnt bulb and a 50 watt heat lamp. The CFL is like 12" away from the basking spot and it is 90*F in the basking area.

Now my question is is it normal for its eyes to be closed while it is basking? It is only sometimes though.

[megcornell]

Yes, it just means your turtles are really relaxing during their bask...its nothing to worry about

[marisa]

My turtles bask with their eyes closed sometimes, and I don't use compact flourescent UVB lights.

Do you remember if they shut their eyes basking before installed the Exo-terras?

Do their eyes look normal or do they appear swollen and runny-looking? If their eyes seem normal and they only sometimes close them while basking, there shouldn't be a problem. Since you say you just got the lights, though, keep an eye out for swelling, rubbing, etc. If you don't notice anything out of ordinary, then I wouldn't worry about their eyes sometimes being closed.

[Racer_X_123]

ok cool, I will keep an eye out for that stuff. What if they start to rub their eyes?Is there too much UV? That would be the only thing that would have changed. Also, I do not have a filter as of yet, so i am changing the water every 3rd day. Could it be the water quality maybe, cause there is no runny or swelling at all.

[octpusgirl8]

Too much UVB can irritate their eyes, you would probably notice swelling and eye rubbing if this were the case. A 5.0 bulb at 12" shouldn't be a problem though. High levels of ammonia in the water could irritate their eyes too, but i would think that would cause them to close their eyes when in the water, rather than while basking. Get a filter ASAP, or at least pick up an ammonia test kit so you can see what the water quality is like.

[marisa]

Is the water you use from a public source and treated with chlorine? If so, it would be good to use a dechlorinator if you're not using one, as it can irritate their eyes (and they'll rub at them).

From what you've written, though, it doesn't sound like there's any problem.

[Racer_X_123]

ok, well i am using a declorinator/chloromine water treatment drops. They seem to be ok once i changed the water. They are both basking now and everything seems

[Sgt. Pepper]

They're probably just relaxing/napping if their eyes look normal. My turtle closes her eyes while basking all the time.

[sai_dee]

Turtles love napping while gettin' their tan on, i'm sure it's normal behavior.

If your turtle's eyes crust up or if they're scratching them, then there's a problem.