All Turtles Message Board

sega_jennesis · Posted: Tue Mar 28, 2006 2:11 am Post subject: Baby turtles: digging? climbing?

Hi guys! My name is Jenny and I am new to this website and have found it already helpful! I have been a turtle owner to my 6yr old, Torque for nearly 3 yrs now and have recently adopted two baby turtles: Yoda & Petri.

I've already read a few topics on turtles digging around the corners of the tank and most replies were because they were females trying to lay eggs or just redecorating.

But in my case, I have two baby turtles; water temp kept at 80-85F; basking area; both are eating shrimp & bloodworm cubes.

One of them is constantly digging up the pebbles and seems like he's sleeping under them. Will he drown? Are the pebbles too heavy that it might keep him underwater? Or is he looking for some shade? Even when I put him out on a towel he likes to go underneath the folds. (see pics; sorry there's a lot!)

My other problem is that Yoda (the bigger baby) likes to climb on top of Petri (the smaller one that digs). Is that hurting the other turtle? And is that normal for him to act like he wants to crawl out of the tank? Exclamation

Anyone have any advice or ideas? Id really appreciate it! Wink

(will also post pics up of my bigger guy, Torque Razz

)
_________________
=JENNY&RYAN=

.one 6yr-old RES: Torque
.two baby RES: Yoda & Tika

*RIP Petri* We love you =(

fishandcandy · Level 3 Joined: 09 Jan 2006 Posts: 200 Location: Indio, CA

My RES is named Petri, too! Yay!

turtle_grl77 · Level 4 Joined: 18 Nov 2005 Posts: 985 Location: Florida

If thats the normal everyday living conditions, I would have to say he is looking to be in more water. Razz

deesygirl · Moderator Joined: 12 Sep 2002 Posts: 1231

Turtle grl took the words right out of my mouth.

Your turtles need more water, the depth should at least be the same as the shell length + 1-2". Make sure they have places to hide; like plants and also places to cool off.
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http://www.anapsid.org/reslider.html

fishandcandy · Level 3 Joined: 09 Jan 2006 Posts: 200 Location: Indio, CA

I got so excited about your turtle's name, I didn't even notice they weren't under water...
He won't drown. He needs to be under water to live. Esp. to eat.
Try to keep the temp closer to 80, 85 is a little warm.
Your set up appears to be very small... I'll assume that's because you just bought them and haven't set up their permanent tank?
You may want to start them on a pellet diet. I believe shrimp is more of a snack food than a meal food.
Look forward to pics of your big boy.

turtle_grl77 · Level 4 Joined: 18 Nov 2005 Posts: 985 Location: Florida

I have earned my gold star for today, lol Laughing

sega_jennesis · Posted: Tue Mar 28, 2006 2:38 pm Post subject:

sega_jennesis · Posted: Tue Mar 28, 2006 2:56 pm Post subject:

turtle_grl77 · Level 4 Joined: 18 Nov 2005 Posts: 985 Location: Florida

If at all possible try not to use the small rocks like that. The turts try to eat them. I have seen it at Petco before. You can use river rocks, I bought mine at the dollar store.

deesygirl · Moderator Joined: 12 Sep 2002 Posts: 1231

If you have only had them for three days then he might be scared. That is very common with babies. Give him some more time to get used to his new home and his new family.
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http://www.anapsid.org/reslider.html

fishandcandy · Level 3 Joined: 09 Jan 2006 Posts: 200 Location: Indio, CA

Try to get them into the new tank asap, so you don't have to deal with another week of them being scared after you move them.