redearslider.com

I have one red ear slider who is about 4" shell and seems to be basking alot. When the turtle isn't basking the turtle is swimming around. I am not sure if he realizes that he is in a tank or not. He seems to be enjoying himself and use to have a friend however that turtle had to go since I only have a 40 gallon tank. Please advise on my turtle and his long basking and overly relaxed temperament.

What is the temp of your water, and basking areas? It could be that the water isn't warm enough, and that is why he doesn't want to swim. However, you did mention that he does swim. How much time does he spend basking?

I don't think his behavior sounds abnormal. I'm not sure what you think a turtle is supposed to do .. they pretty much bask, swim and eat..

My turtle is isolated and I thought that would make him freak out. But he seems to be doing alright. He basks and swims. He begs for food. I feed him veggies and try to keep his diet balanced. He is a good turtle and likes it when I pet his shell gently and hold him with my hand. He is a good friend when times are tough.

He sounds perfectly fine to me. Just like mine, the only time he "freaks out" is when we pass by his tank and DO NOT feed him. He's definitely learned that we are the food people!

What do you mean by "long basking?" Basking time can vary each day---sometimes my RES basks for hours, sometimes for only a short while that I can see. Does he eat well? I don't really see what the problem is here...

I never really can seem to figure out how long he basks because whenever I come into the room he slides off his dock and into the water. The upper top of his shell is brownish and I am worried that he may be sun burned. The lower parts of his shell are more of a yellow green. He has changed his colors alot since he was a wee little turtle. Also, how often should his water be changed? Sometimes it turns yellow after several days.

Do you have any pictures? Also, how much water is in the tank, what are the water temps and what kind of filtration are you using?

Their coloring will change as they age, and they'll lose that vibrant green they had as hatchlings. If you're worried he may be burning himself, how warm is the basking area?

How often to change the water depends on factors like size, amount of water, the filter you're using, whether you feed in the tank, and any other creatures you may have in the tank with your turtle. You've given the size of the tank (40 gallons) and size of your turtle (4 inches). What about the rest of the information?