All Turtles Message Board

Bubonic · Level 2 Joined: 06 Mar 2008 Posts: 81

Don't worry, I'm not setting out to test a theory.

But I look at my guy, and when he isn't swimming or basking, he'll sometimes just sit on the bottom of the tank for God knows how many minutes, maybe 20-30 without coming up for air.

He obviously isn't expending much energy doing so, therefore, couldn't he just pop his head out of the water, waddle a bit, take a deep long breath, and go back down, conserve energy, and repeat the process?

Or is it simply a question that a turtle without anything to get onto will suffer from anxiety, swim like crazy because he feels he mights drown, totally exhaust themselves, and sink and die?

ryanandsuzyro · Level 3 Joined: 19 Nov 2006 Posts: 200

Sometimes I get nervous if Tucker is on the bottom too long, but he's always fine. =)

Well a turtle is a reptile. He can't breathe underwater - just hold his breath for a really long time. Turtles can hold their breath for a long time. In the winter, they can bury themselves at the bottom of ponds for months, essentially going so dormant they need the barest minimum of oxygen to survive. That is different from actively holding their breath during an active season though.

A turtle can get tired. If he is working too hard to get to the surface, he could be in a bad situation. Sadly they can drown.

I think it is a good idea for several reasons to have some elements in a tank that will help a turtle get to the surface/rest without getting out to bask. In my tank I have several big jungle plants which hang off the sides or float on the surface - I did this after observing some turtles in the wild. They spent lots of time in surface plants and lily pads. They are not in a void space of water. Tucker also has a fake tree root that is about half-way up his water. He likes to hang out on it or launch off it.

These elements can be used to pull himself to the surface. He sleeps in the plants, hanging off of them with his head just a couple inches below the surface. He hangs out in the plants for fun, looking out at the world. It gives him a way to "hide" and not feel completely exposed.

Bubonic · Level 2 Joined: 06 Mar 2008 Posts: 81

Ok, so along with my basking area, it be good to have some plants in there... Could you send me a link of what kind you mean?
And it doesn't have to be able to completely support him, just give him something to prop him up so he doesn't just have the choice between basking and swimming.

ryanandsuzyro · Level 3 Joined: 19 Nov 2006 Posts: 200

http://www.facebook.com/photo.php?pid=895472&l=c7ccf&id=625385037

Well this pic should give you an idea. I have some big "jungle plants" from Petsmart that suction cup to the side, and a "floating plant" thing as well. You will see how turtles have strong grips and can hang off of things! I prefer plastic plants as the silk ones tend to wear out faster and Tucker actually tried to eat them eventually.

Bubonic · Level 2 Joined: 06 Mar 2008 Posts: 81

Nice little setup, I'll try to find something like that, plus a submersible half log so he can hide and use it as his cave.
You really love your turtle ey?
Even got the critter as your facebook avatar!

ryanandsuzyro · Level 3 Joined: 19 Nov 2006 Posts: 200

I was very happy with that particular pic. =)