Reptile & Amphibian Forums

When I first got my african sidenecks (it's a mating pair) about a month ago, I would see the male bask every now and then and he would jump into the water when he saw me. Now I never see either of them bask. It's not too difficult for them to get on my turtle dock (I even have a brick as a step). Is this normal for these guys? I realize there is a similar post down below, but there really isn't an answer. Any help would be appreciated.
Take care!

SOUTHERN FLORIDA CORUCIA RESEARCH CENTER (SFCRC)

Location: LEE/1.

Hello,

You don't mention what species you have. If you have Pelomedusa subrufa (The Helmeted turtle), you have an unusual situation. They not only bask but travel over land to go from one water source to another. If you have a different genus, I can't say specifically, but it may not be atypical. Some Australiasian Chelids are known not to bask.

I hope this helps,

Sincerely,
Brian
SFCRC

I believe they are both Pelusios subniger.

I go months sometimes without seeing my Pelusios subniger basking. Usually just when I think he's never going to bask, I catch him out of the water. They seem to be more of a bottom walking turtle, mine always goes straight to the bottom and stays there rooting around in the gravel until he needs another breath of air. As long as your aren't seeing an signs of shell rot, I wouldn't worry about it.
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Adam
http://anraviary.cjb.net
0.0 African Sidenecked, 0.0 Northern Diamondback Terrapin, 0.1 Redfoot, 0.1 Sulcatta, 1.0 Western Hognose, 1.0 Crested Gecko, 0.1 Mali Uromastyx