Reptile & Amphibian Forums

I know I have to put in a UVB lamp for my RES (which I will do shortly). I also have a UVA broad spectrum light for my baby RES, it's a 60Watt bulb. Sometimes when he sits on his logs, I think he seems to get a bit overwhelmed. His eyes stay shut and his hind legs stick straight back. I'm afraid that this is a problem for him so I immediately turn off the light when i see this and put him back in the water.

Is the 60 Watt bulb too strong for a tiny turtle? Or is this something normal I shouldn't worry about (which I doubt)?

Sounds like he was happily basking to me. My little turtles always stick their hind legs out and their heads way up high (eyes sometimes open, sometimes closed)when they enjoy a good bask. When they are not enjoying it, they jump back in the water all by themselves.

This is kind of ironic because I spent months worrying that my turtles wouldn't bask. I got very happy when I saw the very behavior that has you concerned. I'm sure some turtle smart people will chime in, but I think that behavior is normal and healthy.

Mine, Crumpet, does the same thing when he gets deep into his baskin' groove. It's funny to look at, but so far as I know, that behavior is normal and good and I wouldn't worry about it. Just sit back and smile your turt's goofy behavior, and let him warm up in that light.
~Amanda
-----
0.0.1 Crumpet
In this world, this new world of ours, there will be rocking.
~Dave Eggers