General Care Discussion :: What the heck is going on?

[TomGirl]

I've had my RES for 14 years. She used to get skiddish SOMETIMES, like if you make a sudden move. And, every once in a while, she'll jet really fast around her basking area before sliding into the water. It wouldn't worry me, just make me laugh.

Now, I just moved on Saturday and she's acting CRAZY. She swims around the tank like a mad turtle while screaming and splashing water everywhere. In 14 years I've never heard this screaming sound until now. She also won't bask. I put her up on her basking area yesterday out of sheer frustration and she stayed put for an hour or so, even as I walked around. Of course my presence is more frequent since our digs are smaller and she no longer has her own room, but other than that, nothing but our location has changed. I used to do work in the room she used to live in, physical work, so I was always moving around and making nose. It didn't phase her at all. Her tank is in the corner of the room by a window just like in our old place and she still comes to me if I stick my hand in the water of if I put my face near the tank.

I've tried covering the tank with fabric (she keeps bumping into the glass like she wants to flee to freedom or something) Nothing has worked. Unfortunately, we have to be in the same room. I prefer not to be in a room with her because she's distracting (even before all this craziness) but there's nothing I can do about that. We're stuck together. Because of her behavior I cannot focus. I'm completely worried about her stress levels.

Turtle Sex/Size: Female/8"
Tank Size: 75 gal
Basking area: Huge, takes up half the area above tank.
Decoration: Nothing; no rocks, plants etc, just water.
Behavior: Frightens easily.Still eats and poops.

What should I do?

P.S. I haven't been on this site in ages due to an issue with the site. Whenever I used to click on a link, I'd get logged off even if I checked the keep me logged in box. Nothing bad has happened so far. But if I don't respond within a few hours, it's because i'm having that problem again.

[johnQguy]

Never heard of a RES screaming before. Have you let her out for a supervised stroll to try and nest? Sounds like she is gravid.

[TupacTheTurle]

Sounds like she is gravid.

thats what im thinking...

[Daniel3507]

its possible that she may be gravid or she could be a little stressed over the move and is still getting used to it all

[TomGirl]

She can't be pregnant. She's the only turtle in the tank. And as far as her laying unfertilized eggs, she does it from time to time, usually during the summer.

But if she is gravid, what do I do?

[TomGirl]

Never heard of a RES screaming before. Have you let her out for a supervised stroll to try and nest? Sounds like she is gravid.

I've never heard of it either. It's very strange. You wouldn't think a turtle could make a noise like that. If something is scared, though, I guess it can scream if it wants to.

Oh, and she doesn't stroll around the house.

[TomGirl]

Okay, so I just read that a turtle being gravid pertains to unfertilized eggs as well. I also read that they bask more during this time, but she hasn't gone near the ramp to her basking area in days. Like I said, I had to put her up there. I put her up there today and she slid right back off.

[untsmurf]

Not going on her basking area might be because of the new surroundings.

[steve]

Basking isn't necessarily a sign of being gravid, though restlessness is. I'm not sure what the "scream" is, but is she somehow in distress?

Let me know if you have any future problems accessing the site/forum.

[TomGirl]

Oh, man! I'm really upset about this because I don't have the space or time to set up a nesting area, not for the next few weeks! Like, I'm running late to my appointment now because I had to check the forum for advice. But, it's okay because I'm always altering my schedule around her feedings and water changes. (I don't want to be a bad turtle owner, but I might have to stop that. My life is becoming more and more hectic.)

Her tank is inbetween a wall and my closet. If I set up an area there, I won't be able to get into my closet. And I chose that spot because her gigantic tank and stand fit perfectly there and really nowhere else (I do have furniture)

Also, she's been laying her eggs in her tank or in the tub (where I feed her) all these years. I know those are not proper laying spots, but that's what she's been doing.

Plus I don't see swelling anywhere in her legs. Hmm... Can someone please show me how their nesting area looks, especially somone who lives in apartment?

PLEASE

[crackerlady2007]

I am working on a nesting area right now. I don't know if this will work, but I'm going to give it a try.



It is going to be chain hung from a plant hanger to the side of my tank. I'm going to create some kind of ramp into it and fill the bowl clear up with substrate.

[Daniel3507]

most people take their turtles outside and let them roam around (supervised of course) till they find a place. they can be pretty picky about where they lay the eggs.

[steve]

I agree with Daniel. They are extremely picky, guided by millions of years of instinct. Even the largest of indoor nesting areas don't always work, but you can try.

Here are some tips: http://www.tortoisetrust.org/articles/Nestsites.htm

[crackerlady2007]

Well, she already mentioned that she is very busy. It seems like if she were able to make an accessible place like the one I posted, it would at least work until her life slows down enough to give her more room for the lady. TomGirl, can you please post pictures of the girl? I've never seen one that old.

[steve]

How big is that bowl? Sand/dirt is pretty heavy to hang.