not sun basking

Question
QUESTION: Hi,
I just got a baby red ear slider a few days ago and I know they need an area to get out of the water so they can "sun bath" or rest. I know this because I used to have another turtle but didn't have a UVB light till very end of 4 months ago but  it was to late and my turtle end up dyeing of its shell crushing down him which I am still very sad about this because I got everything the person selling me the turtle said I needed but I guess she forgot to tell me I needed a UBV light. anyway I know my old turtle which was a yellow belly slider used to always go up on his rock under the day light all the time but since I got this red ear slider it hasn't even been out of the water yet on to his rock and its been 4 days now and I don't think this is normal for them to be in the water this long. but it maybe the differ kind breed? few times i put him on his rock but he goes running right back into the water when I do this. I mean he doesn't even come out of the water at night! is there something that is wrong I am doing here?

ANSWER: Carolyn,

Just so you know, they need the kind of broad spectrum light sold in pet stores.

Anyway, it sounds like he might be afraid to bask.  But first make sure it isn't because he's too weak or anything like that.  Is he eating yet?  Does he swim around OK?  Can he walk across the kitchen floor if you leave him there for 20 minutes or so?

Next, is the rock easily accessible, meaning he doesn't have to crane his neck out too far and struggle to get up on the rock? If he is afraid, he's not going to want to do anything that draws attention to himself - a predator could get him!  (That means you!)  Try not to pick him up and help him onto the rock for awhile, or he'll try to hide double-time.

OK, then make sure he has his privacy.  As he gets used to you, he'll feel more and more comfortable.  It may take a year or more.  But for now, put stuff like fake plants around his tank so he feels safe.

If you are still not sure, feel free to send me a picture of his enclosure.  If he is acting weak in any way, take him to a vet for a check-up.  The key to keeping turtles healthy is catching problems very early.

Here is a list of common problems to watch for so they don't sneak up on your turtle.
http://www.turtlecare.net/health.htm

---------- FOLLOW-UP ----------

QUESTION: ya thats what i thought what was maybe wrong with my turtle is that he is still kind of shy. I put him on my bed room floor (which has hard floors) and i left him there for 10 mins and the most he did was poke his head out and his front legs. didn't move, nothing. I just bought a heater for the tank because i notice the water wasn't as warm as it should be. If you want I can send you a picture of the tank of how I have it set up and stuff. But its set up the exact same as how I had it for my other turtle and he got up there just fine. (he was usually out of the water most of the time thats why I find it kind of strange that this turtle doesn't get out on the rocks.) oh ya and he been eating normal and he seems very healthy and he swimming normal too.

Answer
Carolyn,

It sounds like he is just shy, give him time.  

It may be because he is a different breed, but it also may be because of where he came from before you got him.  If he was captured from the wild (a lot of pet store turtles are) it may be years before he calms down.  Maybe your other turtle was raised in captivity and felt more comfortable around people.

Just pretend you were captured and kept as a pet and try to imagine what kinds of things would help you feel at home and feel safe.  The key is to look at things from your turtles point of view.

-Amanda