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I'm feeling kind of bad because I've had my hatchling RES for a week now and I haven't taken him out except for today to see what he would do- I set him in my hands (laying on the ground so I wouldn't drop him if he tried to get away) and tried to let him know that i wasn't going to hurt him and just let him do his own thing but he never came out of his shell- should I just keep trying to take him out and let him do his own thing or does anyone have suggestions to get him used to me and his surroundings? I know I read that they get startled easily by noises and sudden movements but I see so many pictures on here of your turtles who don't seem to mind you coming around their areas- but anyone comes near and he freaks out like swimming towards the side of the tank to get away- should I just give the little guy time and hope he gets used to being around people? Need some words of experience since this is all so so new to me!

Yeah, just give your little one some time to get used to you. I've had my turtle for a month now and the only time he gets excited to see me is when he wants to be fed. Whenever I get too close to the tank, he darts under the dock.

im a little bit confused... but i think u mean he doesnt like it when you pickhim up and hold him right ? turtles arent meant to be touched and handled. they are more for looking. my advice to you is not to take him out unless you have to. he will get to know you as time goes on and he will learn you are the one who feeds him and he will love you

Well part of it was that- I wondered if you could take him out and what not! But I really wanted to know if there was any way to get him used to people so he doesn't freak out everytime we come around and go swimming like crazy towards the glass or if it's just going to take some time for him to get used to us and realize we're not going to hurt him!

Your little friend will get comfortable with you over time. Mine started off scared of everything but now (after 3 years) is positively bold. Each turtle has his/her own unique personality, so some will always be more bashful than others, but they will all definitely get more comfortable with you over time.

It might be best while your little friend is brand new to refrain from holding him as much as you can. I personally think, though, that down the road if you'll pick him up regularly to check his shell, check his eyes, and put him on the ground so he can explore a bit, that this will help him learn not to be afraid of you.

Most of that type of reaction is programed by instinct, he could see you as a preditorial threat.

I think lots of folks are concerned about their pet not liking them, but truly, it isn't personal. Think of it as a sign of health. Every bitey thing in the wild would happily gobble up a little turtle. Their defense to being eaten is hiding, and they feel exposed above water basking. They can learn that there isn't a predatorial threat to them over time, but it is an evolved trait for them to dive and hide. Call it good survival instinct. The cute little buggers got the common name "slider" because they are so quick to slide into the water at the approach of anything.

He's already gettin a lot more used to us! We've left him alone and just done our own thing while he does his and he likes to come up to the glass and look at us now! Thanks for the advice!