He basks, and for a relatively long period of time which is healthy. However he used to bask with his little legs and neck stretched to their limits, but I've found him basking with his legs and head in his shell. I changed the bulb about a week ago, and I hadn't changed his heating one for about 8 months prior. It says on the box I should change it every 6 months, so I am hoping I had just left it too long, and basking within his shell is normal.
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Is he stressed? I wouldn't say its abnormal but any change in usual behavior for reptile can be a sign or stress or illness. Make sure to keep track of the bulb and replace it as soon as needed so he still gets the UV rays he needs. Have you changed anything else in the environment? Reptiles don't always show their stress or illness obviously and if there's a cat or child harassing them while you are away he might be stressed out. Possibly, the new bulb is stronger and he is adjusting. I'm not exactly sure how those UV lights work, but I imagine they lose strength as they age. Maybe he's just not used to the full strength right now.
Sometimes herps change their habits as they get older but usually there's a good reason for it. You just want to keep an eye on him to be sure it isn't something that can hurt him!
Sometimes herps change their habits as they get older but usually there's a good reason for it. You just want to keep an eye on him to be sure it isn't something that can hurt him!
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So long as he is active and eating, I don't think you need to be concerned. The skin of the legs and neck participate along with the tissues of the "shell" in heat exchange. I'm guessing that he was not getting as much heat before you changed the bulb and was trying to maximize his exposure. Now that it is "summer" he doesn't have to work at it so hard.