RES behaviour

Question
Hello, I have had my RES for about 2 years now. I believe it is a male, and it is in a 20 gallon, well lit, temperature monitored, well cleaned aquarium with filtration. The last week or so he has been developing some odd behaviour that I'm hoping you can help me with. Starting about a week ago he has started to bite his basking platform. He seems to do it mostly when I'm in the room, since many times he will be swimming when I walk in and then he will immediately crawl up and begin biting. He will do it for 5-10 minutes, get into the water and then immediately crawl back up and begin again. My friends suggest this is a method of getting me to give it food, but if this is the case, why randomly develop it after two years of being well-fed without the behaviour? Help!

Answer
Odd behaviors can usually be traced to the turtle's needs. I am wondering how big the turtle is and if it is a bit crowded in its tank as it grows.

We usually suggest about 10 gallons of swimming space per inch of turtle, and at 2 years, it should be about 3" or so, so need about 30 gallons of water to feel secure and happy.

Not being a vet, I do not 'know' that this is the problem, but you may want to take a look at this possibility.

For other ideas, try the forums at http://www.austinsturtlepage.com or http://www.turtleforum.com