Reptile & Amphibian Forums

I have two adult sliders, approx 10 inches in length, in an outdoor enclosure with a countersunk plastic kiddie pool, surrounded by flat rocks for basking, and then that's surrounded by lots of mulch and soft earth for digging. Problem is while one will spend his days in the pool and his nights burrowed into the mulch, the other spends all his time buried in the mulch. Every few days i dig him up and put him in the pool to feed him, and he does eat, but then promptly climbs out and buries back down in teh mulch. There are both shaded areas and sunny areas in teh enclosure, the daytime temperatures are reaching 90-95, and the water is staying warm. I dont know why he's doing this...any ideas?

Indeed strange behavior and it might be partly because it's really hot? You said the day time is 90-95 and if the water is getting hit by that then it's also very warm in there. If possible can you place it half/half in shade/sun or maybe keep them near the shade on those SUPER hot days and place them in the sun on the average days.

Or better yet let them decide if they want to bask in the sun but keep the water away from it. I've heard of stories where RES's simply die from being in the hot summer sun for too long, and for some people's very short periods of times

So perhaps the tempature is causing it but I'm not completely sure. It would make sense your RES is trying to escape the temperature thus burrowing

There is a process called estivation that many reptiles go though in the middle of summer to escape intolerable environmental conditions. Mud turtles do it, I don`t know about sliders, but it would seem reasonable they would too. An explanation of it can be found at http://library.thinkquest.org/TQ03/2800/estivation.htm

More than likely the water is getting way too hot. I do not
feel that the kiddie pools are adequate for long term
maintanence outdoors. The water level is not deep enough
and even sun for a short time will heat the water to unbearable
levels. Use a thermometer and check the water temp. RES
are probably best kept at water temps of 70-75 degrees with
access to warmer basking area. I have mine in a 60 gallon
cattle trough and they have sun only in the morning and
late afternoon and their pond water still heats to about
80-84 degrees.

I am pretty sure this is why your turtles are staying
buried. I would change things to cool the water and
I bet you will fix the problem. If it continues your
turt will more than likely suffer for it.

Linda