General Care Discussion :: Basking

[kreinrich]

We recently moved our slider from an indoor pond (childs wading pool) to an outdoor pond. Since the move, the turtle has been very reluctant to bask, despite easy access in/out of the pond. If encouraged out of the pond, he tries to feturn ASAP. Any suggestions on how to get him to remain out & bask?

[steve]

What's the weather like? Is it much different from what he's used too? How long has he been in the pond?

[kreinrich]

The weather isn't drastically different. we live in Tampa, FL. The wading pool was outside, on the floor of the screened patio. The pond is on the other side of the screen, about 4 feet from where he was previously. He has a bit more sunlight (basking lamp previously) & the water is deeper (3 ft vs 10 inches). He's been in the pond about 3 weeks

[steve]

What kind of basking area does he have? And an unrelated question... what kind of security do you have to keep him in the pond area?

[kreinrich]

For basking he has the area surrounding the pond with an exit ramp out. The pond is approx 4-5 ft diameter (varies, since it isn't quite round); the enclosed area is approx 13-ft on all sides. The pond itself is enclosed by a privacy fence on 2 sides, the house on a third side. Attached to the privacy fence & house as well as across the 4th side is a 3-ft high wire fence with 1 ft buried in the ground (4-ft wire w/ 1 ft buried).

[Diamondbacks4Life]

Can you see the pond without having to go out and look at him. Usually once outside in a pond I find turtles wild instincts take over and they will not bask with someone around. I wouldnt personally worry to much if he has no shell problems. Being outside even while in the water he is getting uv rays.

[kreinrich]

We can see everything from the patio screen except what's on the other side of the 50-gal stock tank bio filter (basically the ramp area). HIs shell seems fine. I was concerned because I read several places that it was important for aquatic turtles to dry their shell ... Thanks for your help!

[Diamondbacks4Life]

We can see everything from the patio screen except what's on the other side of the 50-gal stock tank bio filter (basically the ramp area). HIs shell seems fine. I was concerned because I read several places that it was important for aquatic turtles to dry their shell ... Thanks for your help!

It is more important when they are kept inside then outside in a large pond. Mainly inside for the uv but outside doesnt matter as uv from the sun. Helps to kill bacteria but in a pond water is much cleaner then a tank. Thermoregulate their body temps. In a pond I say let them do their thing. He might just be basking close to the edge or even partially in the water where you cant see him.