General Care Discussion :: Turtle Bites

[penelope]

I've already received my ever-lingering answer on what a turtle bite feels like; at least from my 6" turtle - I've been nipped 8 times.

I have already learned some successful tricks for preventing getting bit while feeding: as in not getting my feeding hand bit, so no problem there.

The other day I was feeding Penelope and had my empty hand just resting on the top of the feeding tub. Then wham!!

Like lightning she "danced" in the water until her head and front legs were above the water line, turned and clamped onto to the index finger of my non-feeding hand and just would not let go for what seemed like forever (though, really more like 30 seconds).

Out of instinct I pulled my hand up a little (about 1/2"), but she would'nt let go; I dunked her back in the water and she still would not let go.

Does anyone know how to safely get a turtle off you once they decide to clamp down, and not let go?

Or is it just a part of a turtle-keeper's life?

[FLhaven4strays]

When Liza - 9.5" - gets me while hand feeding, it's almost always the fingertip, and I use my thumb to kinda squeeze my fingers together...no pressure on HER really, just on my own finger to kinda 'plump' up the fingertip. Then I pull back a bit & she always lets go...she's not much of a biter though - if it's not food she doesn't want it.

[kgielda]

I teach in a BD room- it's for emotionally disturbed kids. Anyway- whenever they flip out and start throwing desks and whatnot, we have to restrain them (take them down to the ground and hold them there until they are calm enough to be released). In our restraint training, we were taught if a kid bites you- to push your arm (or whatever body part) towards the person (back in their face) and they should let go.

Not sure if it would work for a turtle- but that's probably what I would do...

[Vivi]

i remember when my 10in(???) turt got a hold of my hand. she just wouldnt let go!!!! it wasnt painful to me cuz im used to parrot bites and hamster bites so the turt bite wasnt that bad. lol

ohh as for what kgielda said about the push your arm into the mouth if someone bites you. YEA it works it tried it and BAM they let go. i was playing around with my older than me sis and she was acting like a lil kid. and bit me!!! lol

[larqw]

lol

[eugenetimpog]

how about tickling her tail. I not sure if it will work. I haven't tried it.

[larqw]

No, that might make it worst! In my experience, touching the tail area part is a big NO NO! It really angers them.

[marisa]

If a turtle has clamped down on my finger or hand, I gently push the finger (for example) into the turtle's mouth, which causes the turtle's mouth to open wider and readjust his grip. It usually gives enough time to remove the finger (or whatever's being bitten) from the turtle's grasp.

[april zephyr]

I handfeed my hungry little devils and boy do they bite! My roommate wonders whether anyone else will ever like our babies, as they come chomping through the glass whenever they see a hand. Or any other part of the human body.

I really like to handfeed them, but is that making them look scary? I can't show the tiny things to my friends without having them ask "why do they like to bite so much?"

They never believe me when i say they only thought i had food in my hands.