General Care Discussion :: New Turtle Owners

[RES_TED]

Our family got a RES over the past month. A 2.5 yo male that our daughters named 'Teddy". We've all been adjusting to each other fairly well, but lately he has started to peel. It seems as though it has been continual. He has been rubbing one of his eyelids alot , which we think is because there is skin coming off on it and it bothers him. He has also taken to sleeping below water for some times and alternates between there and his float under the basking light. Is this behavior normal? Would love to hear from some of the experienced RES owners on this forum.

Thank you!

[steve]

Hi, if he's shedding thin layers of scutes, then it's normal and healthy. Rubbing eyes might be an issue with water (chlorine/chloramines) or any sort of special lighting. When the lights are off, it's normal for them to sleep under water.