General Care Discussion :: Turtles are not basking

[Dreamopen]

Hello,

The floating docks didn't work, so I've built a new basking area. But the problem is neither one of my turtles have basked yet.

Any suggetions?

Thanks.





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[tissigirl]

You could try putting something up around part of the basking area to give them more privacy. They might just be shy about it. So they haven't basked ever, or just with this setup?

[missibsu]

Wow, how big are your turts? Or do they just look big because of the camera and the angle with the water?

In regards to the post...what is the current water temp and basking temp? If one is too warm or the other not warm enough there is no encouragement to bask.

[steve]

I would also provide some cover on the sides... the surroundings from up there may be a bit distracting.

[GouzlanTheAmerican]

it looks like they can crawl over the side of the tank to me. might want to cover the top. †‡†

[cam722]

Turtles are very odd with changes in their environment.. it make take them some time to get use to the new basking area.. just make sure the temps are correct .. Also a good way to tempt them up on the basking area is to put food up there.. They'll grab it and then head back in the water, but at least you'll know they can get up there.

[Dreamopen]

Thanks!

I'll cover up the sides, and I'll adjust the temperature. The pet store guy says that bulb gives calcium for the turtle. But it's not a basking light


Thanks again!

[Dreamopen]

Wow, how big are your turts? Or do they just look big because of the camera and the angle with the water?

In regards to the post...what is the current water temp and basking temp? If one is too warm or the other not warm enough there is no encouragement to bask.

Ha Ha. They are big. The largest one is a female...about 8 inches. The smaller one is a male...about 6 inches.

I think you are right about the temperatures. I'm going to get a basking bulb at the pet store today.

[marisa]

I've never heard of a bulb that will give a turtle calcium (a UVB bulb will provide the rays that the turtle needs to metabolize vit D3, which allows the turtle to absorb the calcium in the diet)...

Is that crate just placed on top like that, or is it anchored down somehow? Since your turtles are larger, I'm wondering if your turtles couldn't somehow move it if it's just sitting on top like that. Putting something around the sides would be good--they'd feel less vulnerable and less tempted to try to climb out of it, and it would keep the basking area warmer.

[missibsu]

by basking bulb, do you mean the one that creates the beneficial rays (UVB), or heat (UVA)? If you are talking heat, I wouldn't go to a pet store they are going to over charge you for a product that you don't need. A regular household bulb will do.

For the other light that you purchased...the one that you were told gives off calcium, can you find that light online and post us a link to check it out? I'm curious what the heck they were talking about. Sounds a little off to me, lol.

[Dreamopen]

I don't think the light gives off calcium. I believe it's what you and marisa said earlier...it just a UVB bulb the turtle needs to absorb the calcium in the diet

Thanks for the tips!

[steve]

Do you know what kind/brand bulb you have? That could be a mercury vapor bulb (provides UVA and UVB), a regular bulb (UVA) or some sort of flood light (UVA) in the picture.