General Care Discussion :: depression?

[scriabin]

Since bringing Althea to her new home, Terra's behavior seems to have changed completely - she won't come out to bask, she just hides out under the dock all day, with her limbs partly retracted. She's suddenly much more afraid of me and won't let me come anywhere close.

I know turtles don't have complex limbic systems but if I didn't know that I would say she looks angry and depressed. But even without using those words she doesn't look happy, behaviorally speaking.

I'm afraid I made a bad decision separating them. They've been together since birth... Terra seems much less comfortable without Althea around. It's making me depressed, anyway...

[marisa]

I think she'll adjust fairly quickly. Turtles become really used to things in their habitat and can react when something they're used to is no longer there. I'm thinking more than anything that the absence of something familiar is what she could be reacting to. You could also be projecting some of your own feeling about giving Althea away. You really did what was best for the both of them, though.

[megcornell]

I agree with Marisa. While Terra certainly notices the absence of Athena I think both will be much happier with the extra space.

Turtles are slow adjusters. Give Terra some time to realize that things are OK and she'll be fine.

[mikee]

Depression!! Most turtles have a problem getting accustomed to new surroundings. It will take a little time. You can try and hand feed it and see how that does. Sometimes food will help them come out of it. It is not depressed.

[TheComputerGremlin]

Although we can't understand exactly what emotions are going through our pets, I agree with the other posters. I would say you are projecting your worries about the situation on Terra, so you need to come to terms with what happened. It is for the best. And also give Terra time before you start to worry much, she needs to adjust. You can try adding a few new rocks or plants to her tank to get her interested and investigating those to take her mind off of things.

That all being said, keep an eye on her because those types of behaviors could indicate actual illness, so make sure she is still eating and basking.