General Care Discussion :: Donatello doesn't seem happy

[coopville]

So I got Donatello 5 days ago and have since built him a real home on his tank(see the basking section:) Well the first 3 days he swam ALOT was always up against the glass. Starting yesterday He has began to just hold him self with one hand on the ramp and one hand on the filter discharge(This seems to be where he likes sleeping) Problem is that he has sat there for about 24 hours now. He will swim for a few but then heads right back to his corner. Any ideas? Im worried he is not happy or not feeling well. I have some feeder fish in there and have fed him some pellets and green leaf lettuce. I just tried to give him lettuce but as i reached in he pulled his head in his shell. Is this normal activity? This is my first turtle so I am slightly concerned. Thanks!

[Ranger The Red Ear Slider]

Him pulling his head back into his shell when you put your hand in front of him is normal. Is he eating? And basking?

[sagoy]

It took my baby res turtles like a week before they started basking. One of them, Ninja is pretty adventurous and explore everywhere. Luffy on the other hand is quite shy. I found out that he's just scared and I noticed him basking when I enter the room and he just runs back down. Give them some time and privacy, and they will definitely get used to you and the surroundings and then start basking or eating. Make sure the basking area is easily accessible, and basking temp is just in the right temp range.

[coopville]

He is eating but not basking. Still trying to figure out the lighting. Ive been doing my research to see where i need my basking lamp and UVB lamp placed.

[marisa]

They both should ideally be next to each other over the basking area (I'm assuming you're using clamp lamps).