Other Turtle Discussion :: RES dug a hole and cover themself up

[yellowhead]

Hi, I am a first time RES owner. I have two beautiful hatchlings, I am guessing they are 3 to 6 weeks old. They are set up in an indoor tank. The water is between 80-85F. One hatchling keeps burying itself in the rocks. I've been digging it out to feed it and turning on the basking lamp directly over her spot to try and coax her out. I've read the posts and realize this is normal behavior, but I'm worried bcse she is so tiny. Should I be digging her out to feed or just let her be?

[res08]

Let her be. It sounds like she's still getting used to her new home. Don't check up on her several times a day because that might be causing more harm than good.

[yellowhead]

Thank you. I left her alone this morning and she climbed out on her own. She came out while I was taking the kid to school. I think she was waiting for all the morning chaos to subside. She's been sleeping under there the past few nights. As long as she comes out to eat I'm not so stressed about it.

[gwennie]

Your water temp is too high - shouldn't be over 80F usually.

[yellowhead]

Ok, the hatchling dug out on her own. I fed it. Then she dug in again. The next day I dug her out to feed her and she ate, went for a swim and then dug in again! Here are my concerns... The other turtle is not as active when its buddy is dug in, seems like it misses it. How many days should I leave it without digging it out to eat? It's just a baby. 6 weeks old at the most. Thanks so much for your help, I really appreciate it.

[jasoncop954]

my is doing that but she is gravid i dont know if its normal either i was hoping ur turtle was gravid

[AlexisAwesome]

Dexter did it. He did not leave without a fight.

[Yukio]

It's fine. Baxter did that one time.