General Care Discussion :: Beahvioral question (and thanks)

[kikicool]

First, I must thank everyone for assuaging my nerves yesterday--and for their helpful tips! My Shmigel ate reptile sticks today!! In fact, there's still a goldfish in there--but he took the sticks. Since then, he has been a little more... comfy, it seems. ACtually swimming around instead of JUST hiding. He even poked his head onto his basking rock and heaved up using his front paws for a better look. (but still, he hasn't gotten up there himself yet!)

And now, of course, here comes another question. I provided my little guy with some fake plants for him to hide under and play in, since I heard turtles like this sort of thing. Apparently, he REALLY does. The bottom of my glass tank is covered with some medium-sized stones.

Shmigel keeps going into one corner. He gets under some of the fake plants, and (for lack of better word) DIGS. and DIGS. He pushes all the gravel out from underneath there and continues to try to dig. Is this normal? I've taken some dog behavior classes, and can't help wondering if this is similar to a shelter dog running in circles. I'm afraid this is a nervous or obssessive behavior caused by stress. Anything I can do to relieve the stress if so? Or if this is normal... can you let me know

I'm a little nutty about the sweet thing. Just want him to be happy. All help appreciated!

[sonyj]

I have heard of RES that like to dig through the rocks and others who push them around. Also, RES are infamous interior decorators, they usually like things put just so-so and if you don't do a good job they WILL redecorate anything not fastened down.

[kikicool]

Oh yay! Cuteness galore! I was hoping it was a personality quirk and not neurotic behavior--I've got enough of that for both of us! Hmm...perhaps I shall put some more rocks around that area. Maybe he would like a little dug out spot there. Or, perhaps I'll restick the suction cups on the plants so that they are more horizontal than vertical--a little more coverage for him. Once he has cleared the floor of rocks, he closes his eyes and stays there. Almost like basking...except underwater. Do turtles make little "beds" for themslves?

Thanks again for your help, Sonja. I guess you have lots of turtles yourself? or have been diong this for a while? Nice to have someone who can give such great advice!

[sonyj]

No problem... I just have one turtle now although I had several as a child (years and years ago). I just like to be informed, so I've tried to learn all I can but I definitely am no expert.

You'll learn that turtles have the cutest personalities and each are different in their own way. You'll love just watching him and learning all the quirks he has. He could have just found his favorite spot to sleep. Mine has a favorite plant he perches in each night to sleep and no where else.

[kikicool]

Oh, I can't wait! Thanks so much again. I'm sure I'll be back with more questions and comments in the days to come

[cprcheetah]

Zeke definately has a personality! He is VERY social...which I think is weird, but everytime I go near his tank he's swimming in front of the glass, back and forth, wanting me to 'watch' him....at least that's what I think he's doing.