Other Turtle Discussion :: rather be out of water

[lucindadevries]

Anyone know why my RES turtle would rather spend the entire day out of her water? How long should she spend in water each day?

[rsour24]

what is your set up like?

[lucindadevries]

We use a plastic tub. I take her out for her basking but she never wants to go back in. I just wasn't sure if they spend most of the time out of the water. The site says she should be out for a few hours but how long should she be in? I just learned I am over feeding her and I just don't want to do her harm.

[marisa]

Has she always been like this or is this behavior recent?

When you say you take her out for basking, is that the only time she can get out of the water or does she also have a proper basking area in her enclosure as well?

[lucindadevries]

She has always preferred to be out of the water most of the day. She only likes to go in to eat and poop! I lost my job a year ago and am living in an RV so we can't use her large tank. I have her in a clear storage container thing. I change her water everyday or every other day depending on how much she poops. She can get out but not easily. She knows when I wake up in the morning I'll take her out too. My husband will wake up and she just stays quite. But the second I am up she is splashing and climbing up the side. She is super sweet and I just want to be sure that if she is supposed to be in water for a certain amount of time, she gets it. I've had her for 5 years now since she was a tiny baby! I need to make sure I am taking proper care of her.

[steve]

It's possible the water is too warm and/or it's very easy for her to get out.