Why do turtles turn all four feet up to the sky while sunning on logs?

Answer 1

turtles require vitamin D in order to process calcium, and make their shells and bones strong and hard. Sunlight helps them make vitamin D, just like it helps us make vitamin D.

Turtles are also cold blooded which means that they need the warmth of the sun in order to raise their body temperature enough for them to be active. Rasing their feet to the sun helps them get as much warmth to their skin and to their bodies to raise their internal temperature as quickly as possible. (the more surface area they expose to the sun, the more heat gets to their bodies = less time spent out of the water where they are vulnerable.)

Answer 2

Turtles turn their legs up to the sun for the same reason you turn constantly when sunbathing, they want a complete tan as much as the rest of us.

Answer 3

It's turtle yoga. ;)

My theory, and mind you, it is only a theory, is that it maximizes body surface area exposed to sunlight, thereby speeding the warming process and allowing the turtle to be able to spend less time out of water where it is accessible to more predators.

Just a theory, but I've asked myself the same question on occasion.

Answer 4

my turtle does that when he is chillin or sleeping when is out of his dish as well as when he is sunning.

Answer 5

They are waiting for a Princess to find them and blow happy bubbles on their bellies.

Answer 6

helps give them a greater surface to absorb heat....

Answer 7

turt