General Care Discussion :: Question on my RES plastron

[Ranger The Red Ear Slider]

Is it normal for my RES plastron to be sensitive in the middle? I have a picture of the area Im talking about below.
When I press down on those area with my finger nail he seems to not like it he tries to jump out of my hand and run away. Is that normal? Also it sometimes has a tiny shade of red.

[Diamondbacks4Life]

Yea dont press your finger nail there. You should be able to tell that is where new growth takes place and it isnt completly hard so press easily into the nerves

[mikee]

Turtles don't like to be picked up in general as that is what happens when something is trying to eat them. When you do pick up one place him in an up right position and support from the bottom. Pressing him additionally is not comfortable at all.

[Ranger The Red Ear Slider]

The only time I handle him is when Im cleaning his tank, taking him outside or cleaning his shell with a toothbrush.