General Care Discussion :: what's this "dry docking" about?

[kikicool]

I read something in another topic about dry docking turtles. One of mine doesn't bask too often. She may bask an hour a day--IF that. She's only just started to feel comfortable doing so, it seems.

Should i be dry docking her? If so... what is the proper set up for that, how long does it last etc?

Also, sine she just started basking... would it be better to wait and see if she basks more often? I worry that changint things up may reduce her new found comfort.

Advice, O Turtle Gurus? THANKS!!

[Muirner]

Dry docking is done when the turtle is out of surgury and is usually suggested by a vet. When applying meds sometimes it's best to do this so that the meds have time do their thing.

While i dont know much more then that it's a start. I'll venture a guess that you shouldnt be dry docking your turtle. It will bask in time, it is working up it's courage.

[CountryGirl68]

Dry-docking is used in some instances and shouldn't be a "normal" habitat for an aquatic turtle.

If a turtle lives in a pond, say in Florida, you would dry-dock it during a hurricane then put it back in the pond once the storm is over. Dry-docking is also used when applying ointments/medications to the turtle's shell or skin. This will allow the medication to do its work without being washed away in the water.

[Kallistos]

Basking an hour a day is adequate, if your turtle feels that's all she needs then let here be. As long as the shell looks healthy then there's not need to force your turtle to sit under a hot basking bulb.

[marisa]

Dry docking/dry tanking is usually recommended as part of a treatment plan to combat conditions such as shell rot and fungus, as well as when air is needed to help a wound heal. It is, however, stressful for a turtle and is really best done after consultation with a vet. If your turtle is basking under proper lighting and your turtle's shell is hard and healthy looking, you really needn't consider forcing your turtle to bask.

[grey goose]

Try adjusting the heat lamp slightly to raise or lower the basking temp....Maybe you just need to figure out the turts sweet spot.