He is an African Sideneck who hardly ever comes out of the water. He has a cool brick and enough "land" leading up to it. He seems to only like to be below the filter water falling down on him...help!
2007-08-02 15:17:45 · 4 answers · asked by Nick 1 in Pets ➔ Reptiles
He has a UV light and a basking lamp.
2007-08-02 17:19:37 · update #1
I used to keep African sidenecks and they never basked. This is common not only with bottom dwelling but shallow water turtles as well. There are two reasons turtles bask; one is to regulate body temperature and the other is to help with the digestive process.
In shallow water, many species get plenty of heat even while in the water. The fact that African sidenecks are considered bottom dwellers, as well as the fact that most pet turtles are kept in shallow water enclosures could answer your question.
Many people come on here asking why their sliders, painted, and other 'basking' turtles won't bask. This is the most common reason, too hot. One thing to keep in mind is that captive turtles cannot escape the heat, while wild turtles can dive down to cooler temps.
If your UV and basking lights have thermostats (which they should), turn them down a notch. Experiment with temperature regulation and watch you turtle's behavior. Chances are he is fine, most bottom dwellers only need to bask when the water temp gets too low.
I kept my 'non-basking' sidenecks for years and they never had any health problems.
I read your question again.
"He seems to only like to be below the filter water falling down on him...help!"
I would say that's a definite sign of an over heated enclosure.
2007-08-02 18:09:23 · answer #1 · answered by ? 6 · 1⤊ 1⤋
What are his basking temps? You need to measure the temperature with a digital indoor/outdoor thermometer with a probe end. Basking temp under the bulb should be about 95-100F. Raise or lower the heat lamp to get correct temp or buy a dimmer switch to plug it in to. Also, be sure there is 12 hours of UVB above the basking area as well, as it is essential for calcium metabolism.
2007-08-02 22:39:14 · answer #2 · answered by KimbeeJ 7 · 0⤊ 1⤋
wuts the problem? if the turtle likes the water more then just let it be in the water. or it might bask just wen u arent around, thats wut my turtle does, the second somebody walks into the room she jumps right back into the water
2007-08-02 22:26:39 · answer #3 · answered by Sam 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
do you have a lamp so he actually has a heating lamp
2007-08-02 22:47:26 · answer #4 · answered by thomas 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋