General Care Discussion :: Underwater basking...?

[Skadica]

I have noticed that the past few days my RES has not basked (well not when I am in the room) I have seen water on the dock like she was up there at some point in the day.

But back to the reason for the post. Can a turtle bask under water? I have seen her in the superman basking pose more than once under the water under the UV light.

I wouldn't think the UV rays could reach the bottom though all the water.

Has anyone ever seen or heard of this? I never have seen her do it till this past week.

[SpotsMama]

You are correct in thinking that a turtle isn't basking if he/she is underwater. Basking means they are in a dry place. The UVB rays will not do her any good if she's under water. In addition, it's essential that turtles get to dry off - top and bottom - completely at frequent intervals or they will develop shell infections. The bacteria and fungus that cause shell infections thrive in moist conditions so the turtle needs to dry out to keep them in check.

New or young turtles are often shy about basking in front of a person. If you don't see her up on her dock but find evidence that she's been up there - like the water drops - then that's good. Another way to tell is to put something on the dock like a piece of cuttlebone or dried cricket and look to see later if it's been moved. When she gets older and more used to you she'll bask right in front of you - it's neat.

[thegrandpoohbah]

New or young turtles are often shy about basking in front of a person.

You're not kidding! I come home today and sneak up on my tank to see how my new RES is doing. She was on the dock basking but the second she saw me she made a big splashing dive for the water.

[SpotsMama]

The way a lot of people first learn that their turtles are basking is when the come into a room suddenly and hear that little "plop".

[Pluckt007]

yes, spotsmomma hit a grandslam with that one. sometimes i have to sneek up to it in my room to show people he's basking, and even before the door is even all the way open, i hear the "plop". thats funny...

[industrial_girl_2000]

But back to the reason for the post. Can a turtle bask under water? I have seen her in the superman basking pose more than once under the water under the UV light.

Has anyone ever seen or heard of this? I never have seen her do it till this past week.

Oh my gosh, Sheba does this all the time & it's really cute. She moved her tree root under the lamp & sits on it with her back legs in the superman pose. It's funny!

[grey goose]

Here's Gomie "basking" in the water:



How warm is the water in your tank? If it's too warm he may just be lazy, and will not climb up the ramp to dry off...

[emma]

I have 4 turts and 3 of them run off right when i get into the room. The other one only sits there. I cant believe how brave he is for only a hatchling! And the other people are right. Turtles cannot get UVB rays if they are under the water. "basking" means when they are up on some sort of dry land getting some sun.
I love the superman post on your turtle grey goose!(at least i think thats what he is doing, kinda with his legs)

[grey goose]

In the summer, when the water is warmer, Gomez enjoys relaxing in the water like that.

[ZombieTurtle]

is there anyway known to mankind that will get your turtle used to you faster (not depending on each individual turtle but average). like if you walk by him while hes basking a lot or if you just walk by him everyonce in a while, while hes basking. will this get him used to you or just keep scaring him and not let him dry out and not get him used to you at all? does anyone know a little more info about basically "training" a turtle to get used to to you while hes basking?

[emma]

I love the shelf with the rocks that you have in your tank. That looks really nice and i bet your turtle really enjoys it!

[grey goose]

Is you turt in a high activity area? I don't recommend changing your routine to suit your turtle but he does need some "alone time" in a quiet spot to get used to his surroundings. Some take to their keepers right away (begging), some take awhile.

[grey goose]

I love the shelf with the rocks that you have in your tank. That looks really nice and i bet your turtle really enjoys it!

Thanks! Thats Gomie's favorite spot.

[megcornell]

It takes some patience waiting for turtles to get used to you... and every turtle has a different comfort level towards people, some are super-friendly and others simply tolerate people to be fed
When my turtle was new it took her a few weeks to bask I think, and then it got to the point where if I walked in slowly when she was basking she wouldn't run, and now she's just too lazy to run off the perch regardless of who is around.
A big way to get your turtle to appreciate your presence is just by feeding them. Once Leo associated me with food she was much happier to see me enter the room then when she thought I was simply some giant.

[scripta_elegans]

I've had mine for well over a year now, and one still leaps if we get too close. The other stares at us, and if she thinks we are looking at her, she jumps in and starts begging.