I have a yellow belly slider and he spends all of his time in the water is that normal?

Question

i just got this turtle from the pet store and when brought him home all he does is stay underwater and only sticks his head out of the water for air then spends the rest of the time under again. i have a floating log and a space w/ a lamp where he can sit but he won't sit on either one. Is that normal or does he just not like his tank?

Answer 1

he is new to you and his tank and he is freakin out.

Best to make sure he has feeder goldfish,minnows, or guppies they provide calcium for growing turtles.  Put them in his water to chase for exercise and he should catch his own meals. Romaine lettuce or any leafy greens is needed for vitamins..

Basking 8 to 10 hrs a day..give him what he is use to in the wild the fish and greens and he will luv ya big time!!

They  are very skiddish, I know I have 2 that still zipp into the water when they see me coming after 36 yrs. Sometimes I can get in the pond and clean and the girls never leave their basking rock, other times they freak.

http://www.flickr.com/photos/29035692@N0...

Answer 2

He probably likes to swim just leave him alone lol. You probably have to keep the heat lamp off longer since he doesnt like basking.Get him feeder fish to eat

Answer 3

Well, there's a few issues here.  One, the turtle is new, and could be in stress.  Turtles stay in the water when they're doubtful or scared.  Or, the perch could be moving too much when he tries to get on it, so he doesn't trust it.

Turtles spend a lot of time basking, so it's not normal for him to be in the water all the time.  As for basking, he needs a fixed area under a good source of UVB light.  What temperature are you keeping his basking area, and the water?  Strip thermometers aren't accurate and can be off by up to 20 degrees.

You can google the type of turtle you have, and see what his temperature and dietary requirements are.

If you need a gut loading recipe for his insects, or a basic turtle diet, just shoot me an email to [e-mail] and put TURTLE FEEDING on the subject line.

I hope the lil guy calms down soon, and feels secure enough to leave the water.

Good luck, and enjoy your new pet.

I hope this has been helpful.