General Care Discussion

Posted: Sat Dec 30, 2006 9:15 pm **new baby turt won't stop basking and etc**

I already have two turtles which seem to be the happiest turtles ever. Anyway my new florida red belly won't swim or eat all he does is bask. I'm really concerend. I have him since 4 days. At first I thought he's just stressed out but now I don't know what's wrong with him.

Posted: Sat Dec 30, 2006 9:28 pm

I'm not familiar with this type of turtle but I went to Austin's Turtle Pages and found the care sheet for it. Hope this helps. It does say they are AGGRESSIVE baskers.

http://www.austinsturtlepage.com/Care/cs-flredbelly.htm

Posted: Sat Dec 30, 2006 9:36 pm

ATP usually provides really good information, except I wouldn't reccomend using small to medium gravel.

The care sheet also says that Red Bellies are cooters, not sliders and that they prefer aquatic plants or insects. How large is your florida red belly? Maybe you could try feeding him some crickets or romaine lettuce?

Posted: Sat Dec 30, 2006 11:06 pm

Thank you. It helps a little, but my turtle really never swims and eat. I think he's just stressed out.

Posted: Sat Dec 30, 2006 11:15 pm

What size is the Florida Red Belly? Is he larger or smaller than the two Red Eared Sliders? Is the enclousure large enough? 3 turtles will require a HUGE habitat.

Posted: Sun Dec 31, 2006 12:25 am

Fl red belly is as big as an half dollar. my two res are 1 1/4. Yes they are in a huge rubbermaid container

Posted: Sun Dec 31, 2006 12:28 am

Do you know how many gallons the container is? Are the two Red eared Sliders bullying the Florida Red Belly? Maybe the Florida Red Belly is on the basking platform to avoid the Red Eared Sliders.

Posted: Sun Dec 31, 2006 12:30 am

80 gallons. No they mind they own business. He goes into the water to sleep but that's it.

Posted: Sun Dec 31, 2006 1:08 am

he actually just started swiming around like crazy. Weird he knows that I'm worried and starts swimming. lol

Posted: Sun Dec 31, 2006 10:34 pm

He may just be stressed with the new habitat and all... Give him a few days and see what happens.....

Posted: Mon Jan 01, 2007 4:33 am

That's so funny, usually you hear about new turtles lurking around in the tank and refusing to bask. I think this guy is just a serious basking junky!

You're lucky! There's nothing nicer than looking up and seeing your turtle all stretched out under his lamp.

Posted: Mon Jan 01, 2007 1:23 pm

my turtle still won't eat. When he basks he has his eyes closed. When he goes into the water he hides behind the filter.

bubbleandearl wrote:I already have two turtles which seem to be the happiest turtles ever. Anyway my new florida red belly won't swim or eat all he does is bask. I'm really concerend. I have him since 4 days. At first I thought he's just stressed out but now I don't know what's wrong with him.

Some turts just love to bask. My Sheba has been known to sit and bask for up to 8 hours at a time. She gets so dry, that her skin looks crackly, like alligator skin...! But that's just her.

Posted: Wed Jan 03, 2007 12:59 am

He swims a little. However he still won't eat.

Posted: Wed Jan 03, 2007 2:06 am

How long has it been? Sooner or later he's going to have to eat. There are some tips for enticing a reluctant eater. Try something really delicious - shrimp, tuna fish (packed in water), live earthworm (or piece of the same). You can try soaking some pellets in tuna water so they will smell especially good.

Try some of these things. If still no luck, let us know.

General Care Discussion :: new baby turt won't stop basking and etc

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