How to get a Turtle to Bask

Basking is essential for all turtles.  It is through basking under the sun that they get their requirement for Vitamin D which helps keep their shells strong.  It is also the time for ecto-parasites to fall off the turtle’s body.  A healthy turtle will spend considerable time outside its aquatic habitat. If it’s not basking, you might have to tweak its living conditions.  Here are some tips that may to urge your shelled pet to bask.

1. Turtles don’t bask when it is colder on the surface than in the water.  Placing a warm light on the turtle aquarium may entice it to spend time out of the water.  You can turn off the aquarium heater an hour a day to get the temperature down and encourage it to bask.  Keep the light on to create a warmer surface.  There must be around 2° to 3°C difference between the water and the basking area.
2. The basking area might not be so ideal for the turtles.  It could be too high, especially for small turtles in a big tank. The basking area must be easily accessible for the chelonians.  It must also be dry and stable.
3. Moving turtles to a new home may stress them.  They may have to familiarize themselves with its new surroundings, which is normal for most animals.  Their natural instinct is to observe and keep safe from predators in a new living space. As long as they don’t feel secure, they will not bask.
4. Luring pets with food is the oldest trick in the book.  Floating food around the basking area might just get them to spend time off the water.
5. Choose a light source that’s not too bright, but will also provide enough heat and UV rays for ideal basking conditions.  Light that’s too bright also deters them from the basking area. Add a screen on the light source to lessen the brightness.  The light may also be too hot for the turtle. Try lowering the bulb’s wattage.
6. Your pet might prefer basking under natural sunlight instead of a light bulb.  If you live in a sunny place, set up a small tub outdoors, complete with a basking area.  Turtles relish fresh air being natural outdoor creatures.
7. Should all suggested methods fail, take the turtle to the vet and have it checked. It may be suffering from a disease or vitamin deficiency.