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Hi there! We're new to the world of RES but not new to caring for animals with specific dietary, housing,and care needs... so my first step (aside from booking an appointment with a good exotics/herp vet in our area) has been to research, research, research!

We are the new adoptive home to a 3-4 year old (likely) male RES who's only been with us for less than 48 hours. So far we've bought a new larger 55 gallon tank (we're just starting off and were able to get a great deal on the tank + stand on Craigslist); we've ordered a Fluval 406 filter and one of those Penn Plex ATBAs for now (until we're able to built a custom one); got some good food, and a heater, etc.

So anyhow... all that's in progress, but my main question at this point is this: I've found lots of great information here about care, but I'm trying to learn more about what is "normal" behaviour for a RES. Anyone have some good links or willing to share some thoughts on things you were surprised about or learned that your RES did, which was just part of the interesting nature of a RES?

Here's an example of something we're guessing is normal: last night we installed a new under-water thermometer for our guy (it's white, attaches by a magnet to the outside of the tank) and aside from him trying to bite it a few times, he got pretty excited (I'm guessing?) and brought both front paws up and... not sure how to describe this... fluttered his claws at the thermometer. He's done it a few times now. My hubby and I cracked up laughing because it was pretty ridiculously cute, but it got me thinking that I'd like to learn more about what's normal for a RES.

What does aggression, sexuality, boredom, interest, etc. look like in a RES? Are there common traits? Unique ones?

TIA for any ideas!

Welcome and congratulations to the new addition to your family! Does he have a name yet?

My RES did the exact same thing when I first put in the thermometers. They will bite/crash into pretty much anything you put in there.

Let's see... they spend a lot of the day basking. One thing I think is cool is when they do the "superman pose." This is when they stretch their legs completely out while looking up at the "sun." They also sometimes yawn while basking which is very cute.

They will beg for food. Especially the stuff that they should get sparingly (like pellets). They also are known to eat their poop.

My turtle spends a lot of time in the corner of the tank fluttering/flailing at that "other turtle" (his reflection). They're just really enjoyable to watch. I spend as much time observing him as I can.

^They will beg for food.

They'll often swim really fast against the glass as "begging" for food, whenever you come near... that's normal.
My RES eats her poop all the time.

No name for the little guy yet - that's the hubby's job! He's always wanted a turtle but I'm super adamant that I won't ever buy pets so when this little guy needed a new home I definitely was OK with doing that... it's also my husband's 30th birthday this Friday, so we're getting the little turt all set up as a "birthday present" for my husband.

catkuu - Eating poop? Eww. Just sayin'... that's pretty gross.

Bill eats all of his poop nowadays. I don't have to clean the tank as often. I consider it recycling. A little gross, but whatever floats his boat.

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