General Care Discussion :: scaring the turtles

[retard]

i have 3 turtles in a nice 10 gallon tank, they are all baby's when i got them (3 days ago) they were fine if i went to look at them. now there one that when ever i get up and move, he spazzes out a jumps off the rock into the water. do they do this for a reason?Thanks

[Boogerbutt02]

the simple answer to your question is Yes this is normal turtle behavior. Turtles are shy by nature... Some will come around and stop doing this as they get older, but others do this their whole lives... My female will not hide if I enter her room but if others do she freaks... my male will jump into the water if he is scared by very sudden movements or loud noises...

How big are your turtles? You will have to upgrade to a bigger tank as your turtles grow. Possibly to three tanks if they show signs of aggression as they get older.

If you have any more questions feel free to ask....

[scripta_elegans]

I have three also, and one of them does the same thing all the time, and another does it sometimes. It seems to be offending my husband, as if it is an intentional lack of trust. It is in fact an evolved predator avoidance behavior, and would be inherent as in the wild turtle babies are snacks for lots of other critters. It means the turtle has good survival instinct. It may calm down with time as it grows more accustomed to it's surroundings. All three of mine used to do it. Nicole

[steve]

Perhaps you should cover the sides of the tank to give them more privacy when they bask.

[cprcheetah]

My Zeke likes to bask in private. Just got him 2 weeks ago but he's 5 years old. He jumps back into the water quickly whenever anyone is around. You will definately want to upgrade to a bigger tanks ASAP. The general rule of thumb is 10 Gallons per Inch of turtle.