General Care Discussion :: New Habitat

[Kookala]

I moved my 3 year old RES from a 55 gl indoor set-up to a 350 gl outdoor setup (see pic in outdoor habitats, my incomplete pond) about 3 weeks ago.
I haven't taken any new pics but I haven't finished it externally yet anyway.

So when should I go in after them and check their health? The male comes up to beg but I haven't seen either female eat or come out of hiding yet at all. I hear splashes and see signs of them using the basking area when I walk out but I don't know who it is. I've tried to grab them but they are too quick for me in the water. I figure if I use a net it will freak them out and make them less apt to wanna socialize with me. The male looks great, he's my beggin' buddy.

Also, their shells are dark. They haven't been a pretty green since they were babies. They don't have white or soft spots, no curls or pile. They are just dark almost brown. How did some of you maintain a green shell?
I have 3 siblings and they look EXACTLY like the ones at the zoo. DRAB.


I need a turtle cam. In case they do something interesting while I sleep.

[TheComputerGremlin]

Most adult turtles do get the drab shell. It depends on their genetics and environment. Being out in the sun *might* lighten it up a bit, but otherwise, you just have more camouflaged turtles! As for how often you should check on them, if they are too quick for you, just make sure you can see all three of them around and that they are moving from time to time. You probably should be able to catch them basking sometime in the early morning. I don't think stress them out by trying to catch them will help at all.

[SpotsMama]

Actually, their shells turn darker with age and being in the sun (or strong indoor UV light) turns them even darker. The wild turtles look almost black.

My Spot's shell got very dark when he was living outside. However, I found when I washed him (GENTLY) with a soft toothbrush that it wasn't all shell that was dark - he was just dirty. After his bath he was still dark but not the solid black that he was before.

When you finally catch them, you can try giving them a bath in clean water.

I think if you continue to feed them they'll get friendly again. Be sure they see you feeding them.

[1981camaroz28]

yes its algee from the sunlight do like he said use a tooth brush.