Turtles are arguably the cutest creatures of all reptiles. For this reason, they are also popular in the home. However, they don't like being touched for as long as other pets. Therefore, it is a bit more complicated to caress them. This article, therefore, is intended for those who own an aquatic or terrestrial turtle and want to cuddle it without harming it.
Steps
Part 1 of 2: Stroking a Turtle
Step 1. Approach from the front
If the turtle can't see you and suddenly sees your hand sticking out, you may frighten it and lead it to bite you. Always approach from the front so that he can see you.
Step 2. Place the turtle on a flat, low surface
These animals are more likely to interact with people when they feel safe and secure, so place her on the floor (preferably on tiles instead of carpet) when you want to pet her.
Step 3. Caress the top of the head
Gently place a finger on the central area of the head, carefully avoiding touching the nose and eyes.
If the turtle raises its head several times and opens its mouth, it is trying to tell you that it doesn't like you touching it
Step 4. Stroke her chin and the sides of her mouth
Use your fingers to gently massage it under your chin and on the areas on the sides of your mouth.
Step 5. Massage her neck
Once she becomes familiar with your presence, you may be able to massage her neck without it retracting into the carapace.
Step 6. Stroke it on the carapace
Turtles can feel contact through their bony shield. Therefore, massage it on the carapace with circular and slow movements or running your fingers in a straight line along the entire length.
In addition to stroking the carapace with your fingers, you can also gently massage it with a toothbrush or a brush with soft bristles along the top of the bony shield
Step 7. Have fun holding her on your lap
In addition to petting, to bond with your turtle, you can allow it to walk on you or hold it on your lap. Just make sure it doesn't fall out.
Turtles can urinate when picked up, so be careful when holding her on your lap
Step 8. Don't give up
The turtle will not always be predisposed to being stroked, but the more you touch it, the more it will get used to interacting with people.
These animals associate their carers with food, so try to reward her with a few treats when she lets them pet her
Part 2 of 2: Handle a Turtle
Step 1. Know the risks
Turtles are normally thought not to be dangerous animals, capable of injuring people. However, some species, especially snapping turtles (Chelydra serpentina), can inflict painful and potentially harmful bites. Moreover, they can transmit various diseases that are dangerous to humans. For example, salmonella bacteria are often deposited on the turtle's skin and are potentially harmful to humans.
- Salmonella cannot be eliminated by washing or rinsing the turtle.
- Never allow a child to touch a turtle without being controlled.
Step 2. Be patient
Just because you bought a turtle doesn't mean it's a pet. Unlike some cats and dogs, which spontaneously seek people's affection, tortoises usually view humans with hesitation and fear. For this reason, you need to be patient with them. It may be a long time before they learn to recognize and trust the person who cares for them.
Step 3. Handle it with care
Thanks to the carapace, the turtles give the impression of being strong and robust animals. However, the legs and head, once they come out, can be easily injured if the turtle is mistreated. Here are some tips for handling your cute pet carefully:
- Avoid lifting or handling it if you don't see the need. When you need to grab it, open the palm of your hand and place it under the plastron (i.e. the lower part of the carapace), making sure that the legs are able to touch the hand. In the wild, turtles don't spend much time in an elevated position. If you put your hand under the turtle, it should feel more comfortable.
- Always lift it from behind and not in front. Turtles are unpredictable, so if you lift it from the front, it may bite you. There is also a risk that you will start urinating when taken - this is another reason why you should wear gloves when handling it.
- Do not leave it on the edge of an elevated surface. This animal is not always aware of its surroundings, so it may walk straight over the edge and injure itself.
- In general, it is not wise to touch the turtle's legs or claws.
- Remember that the carapace is not indestructible. Some turtles have a bony shield that can be easily scratched or damaged by contracting fungal infections. Even those with the strongest carapace can be damaged or broken, so be very careful.
Step 4. Take into account the temperature
Turtles are more energetic, alert and receptive after accumulating heat. If they feel cold, they are much more likely to avoid external stimuli, because they do not have a sure perception of what is happening in their surroundings. The best time to pet or handle a turtle is after it has been basking in the sun or under a heat lamp.
Turtles need sunlight, not just heat lamps or artificial light. A lack of sunlight can cause metabolic diseases of the bone, which essentially crumble the bones
Step 5. Understand how the turtle communicates
Turtles are not among the most communicative animals that exist. However, it is possible to notice some attitudes that the tortoise assumes when it is not in the mood to interact with people, including:
- Hissing;
- Sitting still with your mouth open;
- Retreat into the carapace;
- Attempting to bite or bite.
Step 6. Follow good hygiene practice
Always wash your hands after touching the turtle, because through contact with the skin it can transmit diseases that are dangerous to people. Most experts suggest wearing gloves to handle it, even if this hinders the pleasure of caressing it. Also, remember that these animals spend most of their time in dirt and dirty water, so it would be wise to rinse the turtle before touching it.
Warnings
- Never try to handle or pet a wild turtle.
- Unless you are an expert, never try to pet snapping turtles. They deliver incredibly powerful bites and can be very aggressive.
- Turtles don't always love physical contact. Some spend their entire lives in the company of their caregivers without being sensitive to man's affection.
