Turtles not going into the water can be caused by a variety of reasons, including environmental, health, and behavioral factors. Here are some possible reasons:
Environmental factors
Water quality issues: Turtles may avoid entering the water if the water is not clean or contains chemicals that are harmful to the turtle.
Uncomfortable water temperature: Turtles are sensitive to water temperature. If the water is too cold or too hot, they may be reluctant to go into the water.
Unsuitable water depth: Turtles may be reluctant to go into the water because the water is too deep or shallow. Some turtle species require a specific depth of water to swim comfortably.
Health problems
Illness or injury: Sick or injured turtles may not have enough strength to swim in the water, or going into the water can exacerbate their discomfort.
*or shell problems: If a tortoise's shell is damaged or has a problem, they may avoid moisture to prevent the condition from worsening.
Behavioral factors
Unfamiliarity with the environment: The new environment can be unsettling for turtles, and it may take time for them to adjust to the waters.
Stress response: Turtles may avoid entering the water when they feel threatened or stressed in search of a safer environment.
Physiological needs
Spawning: Female tortoises may look for a dry place to prepare for spawning during the spawning period, so they may not go into the water for a while.
Sunbathing needs: Turtles need to come ashore regularly to bask in the sun to synthesize vitamin D3, which helps with calcium absorption, so they may see an increase in the amount of time they spend outside the water.
If your turtle suddenly changes its behavior patterns, such as reluctance to go into the water, and this behavior persists, it is advisable to consult a veterinarian to rule out health problems. At the same time, inspecting and optimizing the turtle's habitat to ensure that the water quality, water temperature, and environment are safe and appropriate can help solve the problem.