General Care Discussion :: ? about my Res' behaviour...

[camee1991]

Tobi Girl has lately been sitting in the only blank corner of her tank on the bottom; just sitting there. I know she DOES see her reflection as she sometimes flutters to herself... but this is becoming like an every day and nite thing! Is she sad or something? I dont know.

I havent changed anything in her tank and she eats well, still basks, etc... but is sitting on the bottom corner of the tank more and more...(nose into the corner). Sometimes I think she is dead and knock on the aquarium and she turns and looks at me and comes over then.

Has anyone else had their res do this?!

[SpotsMama]

How long has she been doing this? And she's showing no other unusual symptoms? What's the water temperature?

Maybe she's just in a contemplative mood. I can't say that I've seen my turtle behave exactly like you describe though sometimes he's livelier than other times. Spring, for example, is his peak period.

[camee1991]

SpotsMama: She has been doing this for about a week. Just corner sitting...fluttering to herself on the back wall about a couple months. There is nothing really unusual about her "normal" behavior. Her water temp is 75-78 degrees.

She hasnt been as lively normal since this has started. (lively as swimming around alot, etc. She basks, eats and sleeps and sits in the corner normally now.)

[SpotsMama]

Has she laid a lot of eggs recently? Could this have exhausted her and left her depleted?

[camee1991]

She has never laid eggs yet. I have felt her a couple nites ago and she is still soft. ?!

[SpotsMama]

I don't know. You take her out and let her walk around regularly, don't you? Does she seem to enjoy that?

[camee1991]

Yeah she does. She will walk and walk and walk until IM TIRED..lol Maybe I should take her out more? I really only take her out a couple times a week. Sometimes only once. But she seems to enjoy walking around. You think that might help her behavior?

[Tenodera]

Could she be just bored?

[camee1991]

Tenodera: I really dont know... She has hanging plants she hides in...ping pong balls; heck I dont know what else to give a turtle to do?!

[SpotsMama]

Tenodera, I was wondering the same thing - if she might be bored. But I really think camee gives her turtle LOTS of stimulation. The only other thing I can think of is minnows - maybe if she had minnows to chase she'd perk up.

[camee1991]

ewwww.....lol I just thought I wouldnt ever do that....I LOVE FISH! But if I have to I will. (If it takes "fish massacre" to liven her up, Im all for it....) Like Rosy Red minnows? And how many, especially if she gobbles em up fast or something. I dont want her to gain more weight! She is almost 4.5 pounds already!

[SpotsMama]

Ha! I put minnows in Spot's tank - about a half dozen - and was so horrified when I saw him eat one I took the remaining ones out and they now live in an aquarium safe-house! But Spot's currently out in his pond and it's full of minnows - big ones and little ones - and mosquito fish. I don't know whether he's chasing them or not.

If you think your turtle is about to catch a minnow - look away. Trust me on this.

You could put in about half a dozen and see what she does. She may not be interested, and then the minnows would help clean up the bottom of the tank! If you just give her a few it won't make her fat and she'll get more exercise from chasing them around.

[camee1991]

OK! But Gross..... and I will look away! Thanks for the tip! Looks like Im taking a trip to Wally World tomorrow...ewwww....poor little fishies.... But if she perks up I suppose it is worth death! Doggonit!

Ya sure there isnt another solution?! lol

[Tenodera]

Well we don't really know why Tobi is acting like that...

[camee1991]

I know Teno... thanx for helping though. She is acting like a child in time-out...for a LONG time-out... its just strange. If I can get her outta that corner I'll be happy!