Petco Text Logo
Petco Pet Logo

  • Two Easy Ways to Start Earning Rewards!

    rewards header
    Become a member today!
    Members-only pricing and offers, personalized care notifications, Vital Care points back on every purchase and more!
    Already a member? Sign in
    Petco Pay LogoBecome a credit card member today!

    Earn 2X Pals Rewards points at Petco
    when you use Petco Pay!

    APPLY NOW
    Learn More About Petco Pay Benefits

Why is my red-eared slider not basking and blowing bubbles underwater?

Updated on September 23rd, 2025

PLEASE ANSWER THIS AS FAST AS YOU CAN.ITS VERY AN EMERGENCY.My red eared slider is not basking a lot and is blowing bubble underwater.This is very starting to annoy me.And even if she do go on to the dock her shell is still in the water but she is on the dock.In these pictures below I placed her on the dock just to take better pictures.

3 Answers

Most Helpful Answer

Dr Stafford, BVetMed, MRCVS

Answered By Dr Stafford, BVetMed, MRCVS

Veterinarian

Published on October 13th, 2017

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.
Vote Icon1Pet Parents found this answer helpful

Related Answers from Veterinarians

  • Answered By Dr Stafford, BVetMed, MRCVS

    Veterinarian

    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.

    Vote Icon

    1Pet Parents found this answer helpful

  • Answered By Angel Alvarado, LVT

    Licensed Veterinary Technician

    Published on September 15th, 2018

    Red eared sliders are aquatic turtles. They need to be in water all the time. At that size, water depth should be no deeper than twice the length of the shell. Provide a swim area and a dock easily accessible from the water that they can climb up on. The water should be heated and filtered. Turtles also require a basking light (for heat) as well as UVB lighting. Low temps, ambient and water, can affect appetite and activity in turtles.You can review slider care at the link below.

    http://www.anapsid.org/reslider.html

    Vote Icon

    2Pet Parents found this answer helpful

Smart Picks for Smart Questions

Vet Q & A
Red-eared slider not basking: Is Zilla cover okay? How to dry dock?
Don't worry, she'll bask when she needs to bask. As long as she is able to get on the platform, it is fine. You can dry dock her by taking her out of the tank and placing her in a separate container. After an hour or two, return her to the tank. The cover and the mesh top are fine.
Updated on September 23rd, 2025
Health & Wellness
Why does my red-eared slider tilt when floating? Is it normal?
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.
Updated on September 23rd, 2025
Training & Behavior
Is my red eared slider's constant swimming and lack of sleep normal?
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!
Updated on September 23rd, 2025
Training & Behavior
My red-eared slider keeps burying in sand. Is this normal?
This is not normal, as turtles are air breathers. Hiding under the substrate could be due to fear or if getting too cold. As stated prior, husbandry changes should be made in an attempt to provide better husbandry, a haul out site that is warm. Good luck.
Updated on September 23rd, 2025
Training & Behavior
Why is my turtle always on land? Is this a sign of a problem?
Blandings are semi aquatic and will spend significant amounts of time basking or out of the water. As long as she is eating regularly and behaving normally otherwise, there is likely no cause for concern.
Updated on September 23rd, 2025
Training & Behavior
Is it normal for my turtle to rest its head down while basking?
Turtles will bask in a variety of positions to maximize heat and UVB absorption. If she is behaving normally otherwise, there is likely no cause for concern. Monitor for lethargy, difficulty breathing, "gaping" (opening and closing mouth), blowing bubbles or discharge from the nose or mouth, decreased appetite or lopsided swimming. See your veterinarian or an experienced herp veterinarian if any of these symptoms develop.
Updated on September 23rd, 2025
Vet Q & A
Why isn't my red-eared slider basking? Is the UVB light too close?
Yes, the hour or two without light won't harm her as long as it is on at other times. Don't worry about her not basking. As stated, she'll bask when she wants. Just keep the UVB light and heat lamp on for 10-12 hours daily.
Updated on September 23rd, 2025

Related Searches

Turtle Basking LampsAquatic Turtle ShopTurtle FoodTurtle Tanks, Aquariums & TerrariumsTurtles & TortoisesReptile SuppliesReptile Basking PlatformsBasking Heat LampsReptile Habitat Heat Lamps & Basking BulbsReptile Health & WellnessReptile Food & Water AccessoriesInfrared Heat Lamps & Basking BulbsUVB Bulbs for ReptilesReptile Skin & Eye CareReptile Habitat Filters & PumpsTortoise SuppliesDay/Night Heat LampsBottom DwellersTortoise Habitats & BeddingReptile Habitat Décor & Hideaways
Have A Vet Question?

Book an appointment with the pros – our expert vets are here to help.

Book Now

Share

Styled arrow button