General Care Discussion :: help res is restless diving

Taking care of your turtle's overall health.

Post Posted: Thu Oct 12, 2017 1:58 pm   help res is restless diving

My turtle will crawl out of the water and dive/fall back in repeatedly for hours. I don't know what to do as I don't think this is normal behavior.

I have a 6 inch male res. we found him on a road miles from any water. He has been set up in a 75 gallon aquarium about 1/2 filled with water. I have a water filter, heater, heat lamp and UV lamp set up. He's been in his current set up about 3 weeks. He was checked by a vet who gave him a clean bill of health. I'm feeding him plants, live fish and worms and pellets. I just don't know what is wrong. Any advice? Has anyone had their turtle do this?
ms.sherlock
 
Posts: 1
Joined: Oct 12, 2017

Post Posted: Thu Oct 12, 2017 6:32 pm   Re: help res is restless diving

He is restless and looking to escape ! That is a very small cage for him , he needs more room. (10) gallons of water alone for every inch of shell is minimum. Maybe fill the 75 gallon to top and DIY "ATBA" may help.
Another idea : Rubbermaid Stock Tanks are cheap but very strong and have a much wider area for turtles. You can also do much more with them to make you turtle happy.

Once I offered a larger home and he loved it all was good ! Just an idea of what you can do : https://youtu.be/Ca7w2FCMSyI

Also if can answer these questions in some detail may be able to help more :

How big is your turtle?
How long have you had it?

What is the water temperature?
Did you use a thermometer?
Are you using a water heater?
How much water is in there?
Are you using a water conditioner?
Are you using any filtration?

What is the basking temperature?
Is there a basking light?
Is there a basking platform that is easy to climb on?
What kind is it or what is it made out of?
Is there a UVB light?

What have you been trying to feed it?
When was the last time your turtle ate?

How big is the tank/pond/enclosure?
Is the tank near a window?
Is the tank in a room with a lot of activity?

Have you read the Basic Care section?
Have you searched the forums for similar situations?

Is there any other unusual activity/symptoms?
litefoot
 
Posts: 1647
Joined: Nov 7, 2016
Location: New Orleans
Gender: Male

Post Posted: Fri Oct 13, 2017 2:15 am   Re: help res is restless diving

It's a male RES so I think the best solution is to keep that tank but fill it completely and put your basking area on the top like litefoot said.

However is that turtle native to your area ? Turtles can travel miles outside of water so if there is a chance it is a wild animal then you should not keep it.
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PokePony
 
Posts: 276
Joined: Aug 27, 2017
Gender: Female

Post Posted: Wed Oct 25, 2017 6:21 pm   Re: help res is restless diving

I hate to say it but yes he is big enough to have his own home and he is missing it. I would return it to the place you found him (assuming it is safe). I know how easy it is to get attached to little beings. Your call.
Children that fit in the palm of your hand.
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skipolippers
 
Posts: 31
Joined: Feb 24, 2016
Location: Eastern Eastern Ontario
Gender: Male


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