Urgent Care :: he's freaking out!!!

[nkl9248]

i just got him and put him in the tank today, but he's been swimming in the same corner -frantically- as if he's trying to get out for the past 7 hrs. It doesn't seem right. Is he just scared?

[cam722]

What is your setup like?? What's the size of your turtle? How deep is your water? I know mine do the wall climb all the time so its not abnormal, and yes he could be panicking. They tend to not like changes and it takes them some time to adjust. I'd give him some privacy, try to keep everyone away from him so he can adjust.

[chrysnyc]

When I first got my turtle, he did the wall climb too. I read somewhere that in the beginning they are trying to figure out the size of their new home, so they swim towards the walls to see if they can go further. Also, I had a background that had a desert setting, my turtle kept swimming towards the back frantically,and then he'd pop his head out of the water to see if he'd gotten anywhere. Your turtle just needs time to adjust, he'll calm down shortly.

[Hammy]

I have just moved my turtle into a new tank, in a new location in the house and 'he' (said loosely) has been doing the swimming in the corner routine, though calmed down after a couple of days... now he prefers to spend hours basking!

[TexasJagsFan]

It just usually takes a couple days for them to adjust.

What kind of aquarium you have?

[nkl9248]

thanks for helping..... how much water should i put in the tank ( very small tank - 3 1/2 inch turt)please help -i have no idea what im doing

[marisa]

Read the posts on the forums for info so you do know what you're doing.
How big is this "small tank?" If his shell length is 3.5 inches, he should ideally be in a 40-gallon tank/container now. Minimum water depth is a bit wider than the width of his shell, but at 3.5 inches he certainly could handle as deep as you can make the water without his being able to escape, Make sure he has an easily accessible basking area, correct lighting (UVB and a heat lamp), a filter, etc. (read for info).