General Care Discussion :: Uptight Turtles

[comills]

My turtles seem way too uptight! What to do!

[marisa]

What do you mean by uptight? Do you mean they jump into the water at the slightest movement? Can't remember when you got them, but if it's at all recently, time usually calms them down (when they get used to you and their surroundings). You could try putting something around the tank where the basking area is so they have privacy when they bask? You have to describe in more detail what you mean.

[KellyP]

My turtles were very scared of me when I first got them. But now they come right up to the glass when they see me nearby.

[cam722]

I've had my turtles for almost 2 years and my female still won't bask with anyone in the room. So sometimes it's just their nature.

[industrial_girl_2000]

You just have to spend a lot time with them (handle them a lot, take them out for little walks in the house & walk with them, walk them outside, etc.).

My first turtle was a little 2" painted turtle named Binky. I hand fed her & carried her around everywhere, and let her walk across my hands (especially when I was just watching TV, talking to the neighbor, or whatever). After a few months, she started a very unusual, trusting habit: she would fall asleep in my hand! Yes, she really did fall asleep & when I tried to wake her, she didn't want to open her eyes. It was the funniest thing I ever saw.

My current RES (Sheba) doesn't like to be held much....she likes to walk around, and I will get on my hands & knees and follow her around my house. She seems to like this game! I also talk to her in a calm voice & ask her how her day was (like a friend). She also started an unusual habit: she follows me around the house & comes when I call her (no lie)! People don't believe it until they see it.

The point is, spend TIME with your turtles. The more time & attention they get, they WILL respond to you in a way they will not respond to others. Yes, they can tell the difference between their caretaker & other people. I have seen it!