General Care Discussion :: Deep waters okay for baby red eared sliders?

[Sen5es]

Are deep waters (6-8inch) okay for baby red eared sliders? Will they end up drowning?

[tammi]

You could start out with just enough that the can stand and strech to the surface. Then gradually increase it.
I have a baby that's just a little bigger than an inch. He's in about 8inches of water and is doing just fine.

[Sen5es]

So if I have a tank with just water in it up to 8 inches its fine? How does it sleep then? It sleeps near the surface?

[tammi]

You should put some things in the tank that will allow it to cling to to rest. Plus you need a basking site as well.
I have floating plants and a wood log that sits just below the surface. Mine will usually sleep on the log.

[theartbook35]

With a hatchling, sometimes deeper water spooks them. You need to raise the water gradually, like tammi said.

You must have a ramp where your baby can climb out completely and bask and dry off. This is a very natural behavior for them, and it's very important.

[Sen5es]

Thank you very much for your suggestion. Should I just buy a floating dock then? Would I have to gradually increase the water and keep readjusting the dock?

http://usuarios.lycos.es/infotortuga/im ... mpas03.jpg

I plan to have a setup like this. Also where can I find those river rocks in that picture like that for cheap?

[tammi]

Yes a ramp would be great! I got my river rocks in the floral department in walmart pretty cheap.

[theartbook35]

Thank you very much for your suggestion. Should I just buy a floating dock then? Would I have to gradually increase the water and keep readjusting the dock?

http://usuarios.lycos.es/infotortuga/im ... mpas03.jpg

I plan to have a setup like this. Also where can I find those river rocks in that picture like that for cheap?

A ramp like that works fine.

You might want to buy a medium or large, so you turtles can grow into it over time.

Yes, you will have to readjust the ramp each time you raise the water. It'll take you all of five minutes of your time, no biggie.

[Sen5es]

Do you think raising the water 2 inches a day is okay? while with readjusting the dock?

[Caphits]

You do not have to re-adjust the ramp. Just put the top suction cups near the top of the tank.

They dont call it a floating dock for nothing...


2 inches per day sounds good to me. If they show any signs of struggling, lower it back down 1 inch. And if they have problems there, just give it time, and keep trying. Turtles are natural swimmers, but if they havnt swam in a long time, they might have to re-learn how.

[mike hill]

Sen-5 Hatchlings do not limit themselves to 5 inches of water in the wild. They are water creatures and do well in deeper water. It will depend on how you have the ramp and other items arranged in the tank if you want to limit the depth. m.

[Caphits]

...This turtle is not in the wild.

[Sen5es]

I'm afraid if I increase it too much. I wake up and it drowned to death the night before o.o

[tammi]

If you have several resting spots at mid hight in the tank should be fine. They can hold their breath a long time.

[Sen5es]

Resting spots? I am planning to get a Zoomed Turtle Dock with the suction cups.