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Having a rare day at home. I see little George sleeps all day.

I know I'm supposed to emulate the day/night cycle for her, and I try. But I'm up at 5am and if I hear she's up (always is), I switch on the light. When I get back, it's dark, 7pm, so sometimes she'll stay up with me until midnight.

Do your turtles keep normal day/night patterns? What are the long term health effects of the insane schedule this turtle mama keeps upon little George?

(Of course, as I type this, I glance and see she's up and swimming around )

Yes, they are diurnal. I don't know of any long-term health effects as long as they keep a schedule and are able to sleep and get to have their little turtle dreams. I believe they (or females at least) are aware of things like atmospheric pressure, but I'm not sure about stuff like sunrises/sunsets.

Thank you. Well so far, she rules the roost. I can't bring myself to just switch off the light just because I'm tired. Right now she's in the dining room so I crashed on the couch last night until I peeped her dozing, then I turned off her light and went to bed. I have the same plan for tonight. Not sure how long I will do this, though... Can't wait to get a light timer.

The list of treats and accessories I want to get for her seems to be never ending as we enter our 4th month together.

Any reason on the delay? Most simple ones do fine.