General Care Discussion :: Behavior Change. A Question.

[marie_09]

Hey guys,

Ever since I brought little marie to the vet for her ear abscess she isn't as friendly anymore. Before I could pick her up, handle her, let her hang out in my room and she'd come visit ya and sit on my computer desk and just hang out. Now, since bringing her to the vet, she just sits and hisses when you pick her up or touch her. I'm not sure if it's something that really stemmed from the vet visit but it is a considerable change. I've always followed safe handling practices and am always very gentle with her. She doesn't mind being taken out of her tank...but touching and hanging out with, shes' much less social with me now. I'm not sure what else could change her behavior, unless she's just being a crabby turt. Her habitat has not changed, she's fed as usual, basks as usual, water temps are normal, and she's got access to cuttle bone (backing removed). Just not sure what to think. Perhaps it's just normal. IDK. Anyone have ideas?

[Seroster]

Hrm, I dunno, my guy/gal hasn't ever been terribly receptive to "socializing". If you pick em up, he normally tries to scramble like mad, which has a tendancy to scratch up your hand that you put underneath him. Last week or 2, he's been more "calm" and not trying to scamper off, but instead he pulls all his limbs into his shell and opens his mouth... I'm afraid he might bite at us, but it hasn't happened yet... he just kinda chills like that till you do something w/ him. I've heard of turtles hissing before, but he hasn't done anything like that yet that I've seen.

It's funny, cause if you set him down or look at him in his tank, he'll hover around humans as if he wants your attention (probably so that you give him food). He even lets you get up close to him and watch him while he basks (I've poked him before and he was just like, Eh.), but as soon as you pick him up, ZOMG ESCAPE!

[worldpeace]

How long ago was her ear abscess removed? It might be that she had a tough recovery, probably a little pain, and associated this with human contact. It could be a possibility.

[marie_09]

Ear abscess was removed about 3 weeks ago i think. I had to give her antibiotics once a day for 5 days after she had it lanced and cleaned and I kept her tank really really clean during her recovery. I suppose she could have been in pain and figured we caused it so we are to be hated now. I wonder how good a turtle memory is?

[worldpeace]

I think this is an example of how good it is. I'm sure Marie will soon realize that it's okay to go back to trusting you.

[planet.caravan]

Give her some time, maybe a few treats and let her realize that you are her friend

Turtles deffinately know who loves them and takes care of them, I notice when I spend extra time iwth my baby she looks at me different and wants to have more physical contact compared as to when I'm away and come back, it only takes a few hours though for her to return to being loving

Same will happen with yours I am sure