Anyone with Map Turtles.

[tylrhadn111]

I was wondering if any Map Turtle owners would post any pictures, video links, of information on how they act throughout the day. I have one of my own & he seems to hate me. He'll eat shrimp from my hand but then, goes right back to hating me. Most of the day he's either hiding or trying to swim frantically up the glass and acts like he's about to be attack by a shark. Also, he RARELY basks anymore.

 

[diamondbp]

First of all map turtles in general are the shyest aquatic species you can work with. One a few occasions I had some get used to me but it took many years and is rare. So it's not you, it's simply how they are. It may not be basking either because it doesn't feel safe climbing out (depending on your set up) or because the basking spot isn't warm enough.

Post some pictures of your enclosure and lets figure this out.

 

[promisetolove]

Map turtles are very shy and scared. I have one as well who does the same things you mention above. Mine will bask all the time however will jump down when he sees me get up in the room or come over to the tank. And he is usually hiding in my plants or in his caves. They're just more of a shy, nervous breed of turtle there is no need to worry! It's just your little guys personality . And I'm sure with age he will get less skiddish. Here's my little guy
hiding away inside

 

[TortsNTurtles]

He is cute! I did not know they are shy.

 

[bouaboua]

Map turtles are very shy and scared. I have one as well who does the same things you mention above. Mine will bask all the time however will jump down when he sees me get up in the room or come over to the tank. And he is usually hiding in my plants or in his caves. They're just more of a shy, nervous breed of turtle there is no need to worry! It's just your little guys personality . And I'm sure with age he will get less skiddish. Here's my little guy
hiding away inside

Is this kind of turtles you are talking about?

 

[promisetolove]

Map turtles are very shy and scared. I have one as well who does the same things you mention above. Mine will bask all the time however will jump down when he sees me get up in the room or come over to the tank. And he is usually hiding in my plants or in his caves. They're just more of a shy, nervous breed of turtle there is no need to worry! It's just your little guys personality . And I'm sure with age he will get less skiddish. Here's my little guy
hiding away inside

Is this kind of turtles you are talking about?

Mine is Mississippi Map. I'm not sure which bread of Map the the boy has who has a very shy turtle. Are those Texas maps ? They're beautiful

 

[tylrhadn111]

Lol thank you. That makes me feel much better. It just wish it didnt seem like he hated me so much. & my other turtle (a baby western painted) was either ill or had a defect when I bought him because he died yesterday after only having him for like 3 or 4 months. so, now I really want my map to like me.

 

[diamondbp]

Lol thank you. That makes me feel much better. It just wish it didnt seem like he hated me so much. & my other turtle (a baby western painted) was either ill or had a defect when I bought him because he died yesterday after only having him for like 3 or 4 months. so, now I really want my map to like me.

Well your he is looking very much like a SHE lol. If you post some plastron pics I could say for sure.

I honestly would change alot about your layout. I'm not saying what you have won't work, but it is so foreign to what a turtle would thrive in. I would get rid of the marbled bottom and replace it with a sandy gravel mix. I would also place some of those tall plants on either side of the basking spot to increase the feeling of security. Turtles need to feel secure to bask often and if it's out in the wide open then a map turtle may be reluctant to.

 

[tylrhadn111]

Lol okay, i'll post some pics as soon as I get home.

And i'll definitely move the plants around the basking spot. The only reason I have the marbles in the tank is because I have to clean the tank often because I don't have a big filter yet & the marbles are easy to remove, rinse, & place back in. Are there any other suggestions for the layout of my tank?

 

[promisetolove]

I don't think you have a bad layout it's very cute. you could just do some rearranging to make it more suitable for your little one. As you said it would be a good idea to move the plants around to the basking area to give more security. Adding more plants in general to the tank would probably be a good idea. The turtle will feel safer if he feels more hidden. If you can maybe even another little cave.

I use the Eheim ProVac to clean up the bottom of my tank whenever it starts to get messy. It will help immensely for you if you don't have it already, you won't have to remove the marbles as much using this vacuum as well it will pick up all around the balls. It's about $70-$80 Canadian. Money well spent!

What size is your tank?

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Do you have a heater in the water for your tank? How much water is in there?

 

[tylrhadn111]

My tank is 2 feet wide, 1 foot, 6 inches long, & the water is about 2 feet deep. I don't know how many gallons that is though. & yes, I do have a heater in the water.