My red-eared slider keeps burying in sand. Is this normal?

The rubbing is done to aid in shedding scutes. The digging and pushing may also be attempts to aid shedding. Inspect the shell for soft spots, pitting or fungus. Confirm proper environmental conditions (water quality/temp, ambient/basking temps, dry dock, UVB lighting) as well as proper nutrition.

If she seems bright and healthy I would not worry about this too much. Quite often turtles choose to spend most time in the water. Make sure there is no reason that she a is put off the dock, for example difficult to access, excessively lit or heated, cleanliness etc. If there is no husbandry reason it is simply her choice.

No, that is not recommended. I suggest you refer to this article and be sure you have her environment 100% correct including her diet. ( http://www.reptilesmagazine.com/Red-Eared-Slider-Care-Sheet/ )

This could be very normal for him as long as he is still eating normally! If he isn’t eating then I would have your vet look at him. You may consider making his basking platform a little bigger if you’re concerned he is having trouble staying on it. I hope this helps! Red eared slider have great little personalities!

Thanks for reaching out about Talula. This could be one of a few things: (1) hibernating (if not heat support), (2) Stress and hiding (new home), (3) Illness. If there is no or inadequate heat support, I would assume she is hibernating since environmental temperatures are dropping. If she is now in a high traffic area (lots going on) she might be stressed and hiding. Try putting up dark paper on the outside of the terrarium to provide security. If you think she is sick, seek an examination with a reptile veterinarian. Good luck.

Check the water quality. Make sure it is clean and at the proper temperature. She may also be searching for food or a safe place to bask. It is unlikely given her age, but she may be looking for a place to lay eggs. Consider an exam with your veterinarian or a vet experienced in treating reptiles to diagnose illness or injury. Her shell in the image does not appear normal or healthy, but it could be her age.

As long as he is active, has no discharge from the eyes or nose and is not wheezing or gaping, there is no cause for concern. Consider decreasing the depth of the water to no deeper than twice Franklin's length though.