Other Turtle Discussion :: Active turtle at night

[Philliesfan12]

Hello All,

I'm new to the forum and recently purchased a RES about a month ago. His shell is 4 inches in length. Everywhere I read it says RES are most active during the day and sleep at night. However, its seems mine is very active during the day and at night. At night, he swims around a lot , pokes his head out and stays in his favorite corner, and often unsuccessfully tries to climb the basking dock. There are nights where I have seen him bask, others I haven't I don't see any unusual symptoms. He's eats reguarly during the day and is active. I'm just curious on why he's so active at night. Any ideas?

[vear]

Are the lights turned off at night?

[Philliesfan12]

The dining room lights are turned off, yes. The only light on is his UV light.

[Philliesfan12]

I'm an idiot. I completely misunderstood how the light patterns work. I orginally thought the lights should be on at night because there is no sunlight, when in fact it is the opposite. I'll fix that problem.

[my.lovely.turtle.]

Don't worry! You're definitely not an idiot. Just ask questions! no question is stupid.

[DerekS]

you know this is an interesting post. Ive had one RES for 11 years and just recently acquired 3 baby RES. I have them all in the same room and have gone to check on them at night with a flashlight to check on them(when its completely dark in the room) and they are chasing fish. I cant believe ive never noticed this in my big RES but the babies do it too! Ive been curious to see if anyone else RES has done this before? Maybe its natural?

[theartbook35]

LOL, I turn the lights off at night, and, Hurricane will still swim around at night and move the rocks and other tank ornaments around. She is so ADHD...

[blackforces get you]

derek, mine have done it before. they still do. the flashlight attached to my t.v remote that i used was bright and i noticed the turtles wore trying to sleep. but the fish kept nibbling on the turtles so they must have gotten upset and started hunting them haha.

[DerekS]

haha thats to funny blackforces.