why wont my turtle go on the basking dock i bought?

Question

i got him a week ago an i pick him up and put him on it buthe just jumps off into the water its a red eared slider.

Answer 1

Give it time to adjust. It probably basks when you aren't around. Young sliders (and all turtles for that matter) tend to spook real easily. Remember, in the wild a turtle that doesn't jump in the water immediately when something big approaches ends up in the stomach of a Heron or Raccoon.

Answer 2

Your turtle may take a while to bask. Some turtles do not like the floating feeling and prefer stationed areas like the turtle ramp seen here http://www.drsfostersmith.com/Product/Prod_Display.cfm?pcatid=8809&inm=1&N=2006+113872+113567 it suction cups to the side.

You also need proper lighting to encourage basking. Your basking area should be 90F or about ten degrees warmer than your water which should be 78F.

Give it time, make sure you get a good set up. They require ten gallons per inch of shell, water heater, filter, dock, heat bulb, UVB bulb, two light fixtures, and more.

Also try http://www.redearslider.com it is a forum that you can ask questions on or just read the content already there.

Good luck.

Answer 3

If a giant creature picked you up and set you on your front porch,do you stay on the porch or run and hide in the house?

The question is, does the turtle every voluntarily go onto the basking site?

If not, it may be too hard to get on to, in the wrong place, too hot or cold, etc.

You can
a.) let us know the details here and see if anyone can help fine-tune the dock, or
b.) you can ask on http://www.turtleforum.com or
c.) you can look at a good care site like http://www.redearslider.com for help.

Answer 4

why would he stay on it?
he has no decorator sense. just 'cuz its pretty to you doesn't make it so for him.
put some food on it, or food scents, turtles have specific purposes for every move they make, i mean wouldn't you if you moved at that rate?
and don't 'put him on it', simply give him easy access to it, he will find a purpose for it, and if he doesn't, then there is always Craig's List.