General Care Discussion :: New member with a question about turtle habit

[nybill]

I have a new turtle about 5" who loves to position himself in the front corner of the tank with his head against the side glass and "walk/swim" for hours. It is almost as if he believes he will eventually make it through the glass...is this a common habit? Also a question about poop (laugh) Is it white and pod like or is that something else.

Thanks in advance for your insight

[missibsu]

At five inches you can tell whether you have a male of female. What do the claws look like on the front? Are they short, or long and curved?

Females will sometimes act like this, frantic to get out, if they are needing to lay eggs. If you have a male, then he could just not be familiar with his tank yet.

Generally the poop isn't white, but reflects what the turtle has been eating. Usually a dark green or brown. There was a post from Steve not to long ago about the color of poop and what the white meant, but I don't remember.

Edit: here's the link http://www.redearslider.com/forum/viewtopic.php?t=4348

[DanielRES1180]

Welcome. I think the white was caused by some sort of acid, it'll be better to check the post.

[BullDog]

My turtle also swims into the walls of the tank constantly. His problem isn't unfamiliarity with the tank, as he's been in it for nearly 10 years. Mind you, I think he's a little drain bramaged... xD

[marisa]

Urates (concentrated uric acid) is more common with land turtles than aquatics. What has your turtle been eating?

Sometimes turtles will swim into the sides of the tank when they see they're own reflections in the glass.