General Care Discussion :: How long should a RES be basking everyday?

Taking care of your turtle's overall health.

Post Posted: Sat Oct 30, 2010 6:00 pm   How long should a RES be basking everyday?

My RES climbs on the rock and basks for a long time lately, even in the evening when the spotlight is off.
I am pretty sure the water is clean and the temperature is fine. and she has a good appetite and is active.
so, is this normal? and how long does a RES bask everyday?

Thanks~!
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Dodoturtle
 
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Post Posted: Sat Oct 30, 2010 8:49 pm   Re: How long should a RES be basking everyday?

Some turtles will hang out or even sleep on their basking docks in the evening and at night. It's something I wouldn't be concerned about.
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Hurricane - RES, approx. 19 y.o., 7.00in. long
Typhoon - RES hybrid, approx. 19 y.o., 8 in. long
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theartbook35
 
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Post Posted: Sat Oct 30, 2010 9:25 pm   Re: How long should a RES be basking everyday?

My turtles' behaviours vary slightly with the seasons. In the summer,they are more active and spend more time swimming in the water. Plus, in the warm months I take them out almost every day for about 5-6 hours of natural sunlight and it seems that they don't feel the need to bask as much. In the winter, they spend more than half the day basking.
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worldpeace
 
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Post Posted: Sat Oct 30, 2010 11:19 pm   Re: How long should a RES be basking everyday?

that makes me feel better.
just wanting know, what possible illnesses are associate with basking too much?
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Dodoturtle
 
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Post Posted: Sun Oct 31, 2010 12:54 am   Re: How long should a RES be basking everyday?

It's hard to diagnose something from just one symptom. But provide a good basking area and some privacy, and let your RES bask all it wants.
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steve
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Post Posted: Sun Oct 31, 2010 1:42 pm   Re: How long should a RES be basking everyday?

To answer your question about the possible illnesses, one that comes to mind is lethargy. But if your turtle eats as usual and is active then you have nothing to worry about.
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~Charlie - 4 inch male RES
Tank #2:
~Charlotte - 6 inch female RES
worldpeace
 
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Post Posted: Mon Nov 01, 2010 4:58 pm   Re: How long should a RES be basking everyday?

Basking time can vary daily. I find that my RES sometimes prefers to bask well into the evening and will stay on the basking area for a while after the light goes off. It's like he's waiting for the sun to come out again. :D
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