General Care Discussion :: how to carry turtles

[vic021]

i was wondering how can i get them out of tank and carry them im trying to get pics for recent thread about a yellow mark on there head i use to be able to catch the big one and hold him and he would hid his head for a while but know i try getting him he trys to keep swiming even when i have him in hand and his not moving and he doesnt hid his head and im afraid he will try to run and i will lose my grip and he fall so how is the proper way to carry a res

[Cayte Catastrophe]

I hold mine with a towel around my hand because his nails are sharp and he's incredibly strong. I place the towel over my hand and hold his underside in my palm, while trying to grip the sides of his shell. Either that or like he's a sandwich, with 2 hands. RES's like to feel supported while out of the water.

[seano997]

I usually wave my hand or wiggle my fingers in front of the tank to distract Zipper while I sneak my other hand in the water to pick her up. When I bring her out I have my thumb on her back and all four of my fingers on her underside. Once she is out of the water I hold her with both hands the same way. I also always make sure I'm holding her firmly so she doesn't push my hands away and fall.

[BullDog]

They way Cayte suggested is good. The towel keeps their sharp little claws from getting you. Two hands for large turtles, palms and fingers on the bottom and thumbs on top. Or if the turtle is still a hatchling, support them with one hand with your palm and fingers, and put your thumb on top.
For mine, for quick trips (like from the tank to the holding bin), I skip the towel, and just take them with my hands.