General Care Discussion :: got my first two turtles.. is their strange habbits normal?

[marria*]

I just got two red eared sliders, tuck and nelson. In my tank I have two huge rocks against one side for the basking area and I put some of the small gravel rock things inbetween the rocks and the glass, nelson keeps digging like a hole so he can sqeeze between them. Its along the side that's against the wall so maybe he is just scared of seeing people? And tuck goes under the water filter, is that okay for her? Also the filter creates a strong tide for them and Its hard for them to swim against it, are there any filters that dont create a tide/drift. One more thing, I have only seen them bask once and right when I saw them they both jumped into the water, will they ever get use to me being around, I don't want them scared of me. Oh actually one more thing, everyone keepa telling me different info on how often to feed them. Please help

[steve]

They like to squeeze into tight areas (docks, filters, heaters, decorations, etc), however this is dangerous as they can get stuck and drown. Gravel is also not good as they will likely eat it. A strong filter might also trap them, so that is a concern.

I know that sounds negative, but you just need to make a few adjustments to make it safer for them.

A lot of RES are skittish when they bask, but it depends on their personality. If their tank is in a high traffic area and it's making it difficult for them to bask, then you might want to cover the sides of the tank.

For feeding info... www.redearslider.com/index_nutrition.html

[marria*]

Thanks for repling, does anyone else have advice

[rsour24]

turtles like to dig/squeeze into spaces and behind things. its just what they do. and as for them being able to bask infront of you. its a maybe. some turtles have no problem basking infront of ppl. some wont bask infront of ppl even tho they have gone through the same thing everyday. it is a wait and see thing.

what filter do u have?
how large is ur tank?

as for feeding. bc they r hatchlings u want to feed them everyday. u also want to feed them separately. you will always want to feed them separately for their whole lives. this prevents fighting and will allow u to easy monitor their eating. u will want to feed them twice the size of their head daily. if u notice any pyramiding or anything u can easily decrease the amount of food for that turtle

[marria*]

If pyramiding is what I think (their shells with kinda a point) they both had it since I got them. And my tank is 20 gallons right now, I only planned on getting one when I bought the tank. I plan to get a bigger one for when I clean their tank next and my filter is repti clear f350 its for 75 gallons.

[roseK]

pyramiding is more of each individual scute being pointy, most hatching have the centre of their shell come to a slight point.

[marria*]

Oh okay, mine don't have that yet, and hopefully never do. Thanks for all the help