All Turtles Message Board

chuck8 · Posted: Sat Dec 09, 2006 10:47 pm Post subject: Basking

I've had Dudley, our Red Eared Slider, for over a month now and he has yet to do any basking at all. The only time he is out of the water is when he is removed for a few minutes during tank cleaning. He has a basking lamp and an easy access to his basking rock, but he refuses to use it. Otherwise, he eats and acts fine. Should I be concerned about possible future health problems if he continues to refuse basking? Thanks for any advice.

Limited Edition · Posted: Sat Dec 09, 2006 11:59 pm Post subject:

Hey there,

You are lucky enough to live in a city where you get warm/hot temperatues. I suggest you take Dudley outside with your basking area set up and see if he is willing to bask under direct sunlight.

Maybe he is smart and knows that the artifical 'sun' will hardly do him any good or it could be the postioning of the light.

Give it a shot and keep me posted!

chuck8 · Posted: Sun Dec 10, 2006 12:46 am Post subject: Basking

Thanks for replying so fast. I'll try your suggestion. How long would you recommend I leave him outside? Under my watchful eye of course. I took him outside once for a minute and he acted like he was scared to death. He spent the entire minute looking around as though keeping an eye open for predators. Thanks again.

Limited Edition · Posted: Sun Dec 10, 2006 7:05 pm Post subject:

Not a problem. We're turtle enthusiasts, we like to help out others when we can. First, if you are going to try this I do not recommend you use a glass aquarium as the heat will build up very fast and can potentially 'bake' Dudley. Use a plastic or an inflatable pool that is safe for him that he won't be able to climb out of. Set up a basking area and let him experiment with the real world.

It takes some time for turtles to adjust to another environment, but eventually he'll learn to like it. He will bask when it's warm and the sun is directly under him. They'll do their thing by stretching out their legs and even close their eyes once in a while because of the reflection from the water. If it gets too hot, he'll go for a dip and return within a few minutes. It's all good.

If you know that there are predators such as raccoons, skunks or other animals that would 'mess around' with Dudley. Keep an eye out for them. If you decide that Dudley should stay out for a few nights, remember to have a close cover/ lid (something breatheable of couse) and that no raccons and such is smart enough to open the cover/lid.

Here's how my RES live during the summer months:

That's an inflatable pool made for a parent with 2-3 infants/kids.

chuck8 · Posted: Sun Dec 10, 2006 10:34 pm Post subject: Basking

Thanks again. I sincerely appreciate your wealth of advice. Your three guys sure look happy and healthy. It's kind of sad that the pet stores that sell turtles don't educate themselves more as to the proper care of the animals they sell. In my case, the Petco people here know very little about rearing the turtles they sell. Thats why I have to rely on good people like you. thanks again.

Limited Edition · Posted: Sun Dec 10, 2006 11:50 pm Post subject:

Hey,

Not a problem. You've searched for answers and you've got it. We're all here to help one another. I agree that most pet stores don't know much about one particular reptile. You'll need to rely on internet source/ books and just some common sense.

Let me know how it goes and share some pictures while you're at it!

Jeff

chuck8 · Posted: Tue Dec 12, 2006 11:05 pm Post subject: Photos

Trying to download photos of Dudley but not being a computer guru I need help. Could you give me a simple lesson on how to do it? Thanks

Limited Edition · Posted: Tue Dec 12, 2006 11:09 pm Post subject:

Very easy. As most members here, they use a site to host it. Use www.photobucket.com

First sign up - self explanatory

There's a large icon that says 'upload' - choose your file.

Then it will appear on your album. Use the IMG (copy and paste) link and post it in the thread here.

Ta da!

chuck8 · Posted: Tue Dec 12, 2006 11:23 pm Post subject: Dudley

Thanks for the help. Hope it came thru.

chuck8 · Posted: Tue Dec 12, 2006 11:24 pm Post subject: Basking

Well as you can see it worked, thanks to your excellent lesson. Also, as you can see, Dudley fianlly decided to try basking and he appears to like it. Thanks again.

Limited Edition · Posted: Wed Dec 13, 2006 2:16 pm Post subject:

Good Job! Dudley is a cutie. How old is he?

That's a nice set up. Do you have any more pictures of the whole tank? I want to see what else you have on either sides. What kind of light is that?

dixieee · Posted: Wed Dec 13, 2006 5:34 pm Post subject:

such a cutie!
does he climb all the way up?? u can raise water level a bit..
_________________
Wed 10/27/2004 is the worst day..i lost my best friend Leo

so now i have a female RES, Green, and a cute stupid male YBS, Mint

5/4/2006 RIP Lemon, u were my first rescue and i'm so proud of u. will never 4get u

Fred_and_George · Posted: Wed Dec 13, 2006 9:35 pm Post subject:

yeah, that could be why he didnt bask before, it looked so high up for him! Raising the water would definately help. you'll most likely see him basking more often. Instinct probably kicked in and that is why he started basking, but you should make it easier for him. plus, hes a RES, and they love to swim, so more water will make for a happier turtle.
_________________
I love my turtles! Smile

Limited Edition · Posted: Wed Dec 13, 2006 10:18 pm Post subject:

I couldn't agree more with Fred_and_George, increase the depth of the water and put a rock or something similar beside the basking 'land' so that Dudley has easier access. Sometimes they don't know whether to climb on it or if is just decor.

chuck8 · Posted: Wed Dec 13, 2006 10:31 pm Post subject: Dudley

Thanks for the nice comments and advice guys. Actually, the water is a bit deeper than the photo depicts and there is a slope on the side of the rock which makes it easy for Dudley to climb up on. I will add a bit more water though as you advised. Lighting is via a standard Reptile UVA UVB bulb and a 50 watt basking light over the rock. As far a Dudley's age, I have no idea. His shell is slightly over 3 inches wide. I'll try and download a better photo. Thanks again guys.

chuck8 · Posted: Wed Dec 13, 2006 10:37 pm Post subject: Another Photo of Dudley

here's another photo of Dudley's home showing the slope to his basking rock. Thanks again

Limited Edition · Posted: Thu Dec 14, 2006 12:16 am Post subject:

Beautiful! i've seen a filter placement in the center width of an aquarium before. How were you able to do so? Was it designed that way or did you do the 'cut-out' yourself? I want to lower the water noise level that mine creates. It's awfully loud in my living room!

chuck8 · Posted: Thu Dec 14, 2006 1:12 am Post subject: Dudley

The terrarium was purchased with the cutout at one end. It was specifically made for turtles. It's a 20 gallon tank and, hopefully Dudley won't grow out of it too soon. Thanks again. take care

Limited Edition · Posted: Sun Dec 24, 2006 1:19 am Post subject:

Hey there,

How is Dudley and the basking system working out lately?

Happy holidays!