General Care Discussion :: When ever I handle my turtle

[blueeyes082]

Whenever I handle my turtle she always makes a chirping noise. Why is this?

[aal]

She's releasing the air from her body causing the sound to occur. Signs of stress and fear. Won't kill her.

[Vadera's Mom]

Mine makes a whistle sound. It's kinda cute.

[bigG]

My female RES blows out air bubbles sometimes when I pick her up.

[bradmeisel]

It probrably a sign that she doesn't really want to be handled. My turtles don't "mind" being handled when I put my hands in the tank and hold them at the water surface allowing them to leave if they want. Usually they just stay in my hand and start closing their eyes. Whenever I take them out of the tank completely, I can tell they are less then thrilled.
Any sounds a turtle makes (other then splashing) are probrably a sign of distress.

[duck215]

I would agree! Rose and Max both of my RES do this. Rose normally follows it up with an open mouth waiting for the opertunity to get a finger tip. I think if you handle them more they may get better. But not totally sure, Rose has never been a fan of being handled.