General Care Discussion :: Splashing ???

[joeybsmooth]

Hello,

One of my turtles was splashing last night , an he was doing it once more today. It can best be described as a he was doing a dog paddle type motion . But he can still swim normally as well. IS that normal?

And something else that is odd he was basking when the lights were off. Normally when he is on the ramp. He is just half-way on half-way off. But last night he was on the middle of the dock.( this could be something he does all the time. and just becuase the light are off I could have just not been able to notice him.

[seanwb]

Spalshing is very normal for my RES and Mississippi MAP. It means "FEED ME NOW!!!".

My RES goes through phases of staying under the lights when they are switched off. Nothing to worry about. Take it as a good sign that he feels safe.

[joeybsmooth]

Now he is doing a back paddle.. like a person would do it. He is on his back kicking with his (feet) paws and guiding himself with his hand(paws).

He is just acting all type of strange today.. I am a bit worried .

[TheComputerGremlin]

The only thing you can really do is just keep an eye on him and make sure he isn't lethargic or doesn't stop eating or starts sleeping all the time. Otherwise, he sounds pretty normal. My turtle has taken to the "morning wake up call", as soon as her lights kick on, she is splashing up a storm to drag my butt out of bed to feed her.

[queenjane]

Yeah, Tank splashes anytime he wants food. Since they can't make noises of their own, RES have figured out that smacking the water with their forefeet generally elicits a response from their humans. Just be SURE to not overfeed him. RES beg and beg and beg with their pleading little eyes and slappy feet. Overfeeding is badddd... and yes, it does hurt you more than him to deny excessive food. Once daily is the rule-- don't give in! He knows your weaknesses, haha!

Tank also sleeps on his hammock (basking area) after the timers go off. It's perfectly fine and normal so long as you have the basking area temps at 90 degrees F. You should get one of those ceramic heat emmitter bulb thingies for him. They need to be warm and snuggly when they sleep out of the water.