General Care Discussion :: re adjusting?

[tammi]

My big guy has had a week let me tell you. Vet visit for nail trim on monday the I changed
up his tank. New above tank basking area and about 50% more swim space. He swims
like a mad man. Hasn't checked out the new basking area yet. I haven't seen him eat
his pellets like he normally does. But he has plants to eat so not sure if he is eatting those.
When you change the tank set up do they have to readjust?

[Kemul]

Generally, yes. The time depends on the turtle

By the way, I'm still not convinced that a nail trim is necessary...

[tammi]

Thanks. His nails were super super long. Didn't have them trimed real short just some. He was snagging on
stuff and getting hung. That's why I had them trimed. They are still fairly long.

[SpotsMama]

It does take time for some turtles after a tank redecoration to adjust.

In the meantime, check the temp on the basking platform (with a thermometer). If it's too hot or too cool, he will be reluctant to get up and bask, which he really needs to do. Temp on basking platform should be around 90 degrees. Some turtles like it a few degrees warmer.

[theartbook35]

Thanks. His nails were super super long. Didn't have them trimed real short just some. He was snagging on
stuff and getting hung. That's why I had them trimed. They are still fairly long.

I guess if it becomes bothersome, it either best to have them trimmed a tiny bit, or change the tank's set up. (Changing the set up probably costs as much as the nail trim, maybe even more).

I would imagine, in the wild, or even in a backyard pond, having the long nails would help to "slice" through the water better.

[tammi]

It was ony $5 to trim his nail. He would get hung in the slits in the heater and water filter. Figured that was the best solution.

[theartbook35]

It was only $5 to trim his nail. He would get hung in the slits in the heater and water filter. Figured that was the best solution.

Well, in that case, onward with the nail trimming!