Other Turtle Discussion :: Turtle gets feisty, and why

[Undertoad]

He's about 3.5", he's maybe a year old.

Yesterday I hear a big ruckus, and he has pushed at the suction cups on the basking platform until all but one became unstuck.

Now today he was investigating where the wooden ATBA area starts, which is about 3" above the platform. I hear a big ruckus and there he is on his back, because he attempted to climb the flat wall - which he can't, it's 90 degrees, straight up.

He gets back on the platform, but spends about a half hour motionless, with his head as high as he can lift it. I'm thinking he must be looking at the wall again.

And then I realize - his heat light is out, and only the UVB bulb is on.

He was just annoyed about the sudden cloudy days, and decided to try a little vandalism to make a point of it!

[steve]

Seems like he takes his basking seriously!

[theartbook35]

I swear to god turtles have the most unique ways of getting their points across.

[Undertoad]

Here's how sensitive he is. I didn't have a specialty bulb, so I put a regular 60w incandescent bulb in. The basking area reached 84 F. (The water is 77.5.)

Well, he was like... "this isn't good enough!" usually the area gets to 90. So he kept trying to climb the wall... probably just instinctively trying to get to a warmer spot.

Two hours I put in a 100w bulb, and now the area is 88 F, and he's been pacified. He's basking in peace.

[mikee]

U-toad Are you sure it is a he? She may be looking for a place to lay "her" eggs. Just a thought!

[Undertoad]

I appreciate it, but this turtle is too young. (I'm thinking male because the tail is quite impressive)