redearslider.com

I have 3 kids ages 9, 7 and 5 and they love to hold the these new turtles I've recently been gifted with. Aside from the danger of being dropped, is it bad for Slip or Slide to be carried by my young loving children?

turtles dont really like to be handled too much.... i mean. if its not all the time and ur turtles dont seem to mind then its probly no big deal. this can cause stress to some turtles but not all. the thing i would be most concerned about is cleanliness. just make sure your kids wash their hands immediately after handeling the turtles as turtles are not very clean..

how old are your turtles??

I don't know how old they are, one is 4" and the other 5" long. I'm still real new to this turtly thing.

It isn't recommended for either you or your kids to hold your turtles a lot. They aren't cuddle type pets. Removing them from their home/environment can be very stressful for your new friends, especially if they are trying to adjust to new surroundings.

I'd limit the touching/holding to only the day your clean your tank and your turtles will be out for this time anyways. It will cut back on the stress for your turtles and make it more special for your kids - kind of like a "turtle date" for them. It's something that you can circle on the calendar and they can look forward to.

Remember that turtles can release salmonella during times of distress, so it's extremely important to clean and disinfect any areas that comes in contact with your turtles or their water/equipment. If you treat them as you would raw chicken, everything will be fine. Just be sure to wash and disinfect little hands after they touch the turtles.

from http://www.redearslider.com/forum/viewtopic.php?t=4380

missibsu wrote:Turtles are not a child's pet, but there is no problem in having one with a child around. It can be a great lesson in responsibility, like a lot of pets. Turtles are not a hold and pet kind of animal, but a look and watch kind. As long as your children understand that, and know the basics of a good hand washing, things should be ok. Understand that owning a red ear slider can be expensive and you will be doing most of the raising. A turtle will live many years and for that your children can grow with it.

How long is your turt from end to end without the curve? Just the shell length without the head or tail.

Also, res are not snappers. They may occassionally nip at your fingers, although this is most likely because they have mistaken your finger for food. They are not naturally aggressive. Check the what to feed list in the nutrition section for other food options.

I'm a bit lazy today to retype any part of that

One is about 4" and the other 5", Slip and Slide respectively. They both have similar claws and tails so I think I have 2 boys or 2 girls. I take it turtles have no wienees?

Padudeman wrote:One is about 4" and the other 5", Slip and Slide respectively. They both have similar claws and tails so I think I have 2 boys or 2 girls. I take it turtles have no wienees?

Oh yes they do... you just have to be in the right place at the right time in order to see them.

If the front nails are extremely long (think Edward Scissorhands) and the tail is long and thick with the cloacal opening away from the shell you have a boy. If the nails are short and they have a small tail with the cloacal opening at or under the rear edge of the carapace then you have a female. Posting pics of the nails and tail might help if you can't figure it out from looking.

What is the cloacal?

Basically the visible opening on the tail, where the wastes are removed.

ahh, that.

steve wrote:from http://www.redearslider.com/forum/viewtopic.php?t=4380

missibsu wrote:Turtles are not a child's pet, but there is no problem in having one with a child around. It can be a great lesson in responsibility, like a lot of pets. Turtles are not a hold and pet kind of animal, but a look and watch kind. As long as your children understand that, and know the basics of a good hand washing, things should be ok. Understand that owning a red ear slider can be expensive and you will be doing most of the raising. A turtle will live many years and for that your children can grow with it.

How long is your turt from end to end without the curve? Just the shell length without the head or tail.

Also, res are not snappers. They may occassionally nip at your fingers, although this is most likely because they have mistaken your finger for food. They are not naturally aggressive. Check the what to feed list in the nutrition section for other food options.

I'm a bit lazy today to retype any part of that

You crack me up!