General Care Discussion :: best way to socialize?

[pbangelo]

I have 2 new RES, a male and female, each about 5" that I got at a pet store last week. They are in my 1200 gallon pond. I'm wondering what you folks recommend about socializing my new pets. Is it better to leave them alone, or should we force them to interact by picking them up, etc. They do come out to bask, but dive underwater when they see us. I'd like to get them less shy around us. Suggestions?
Pam

[missibsu]

Some turtles are just going to stay shy, and holding them isn't going to help. Mine still jump and run when I come near and I have had them over a year. The only progress that I have made is if I stay in the room and I'm quiet they will come up. At that point you can make minimal movement, but if you stand they are gone.

[Boogerbutt02]

My turtles will come to me for food... All I have to do is shake the can in their veiw and they come to me... associate pellets with you and that might work... but it is going to take time; it will not happen over night...

[sonyj]

Picking them up just to get them used to you might work against you more than for you. It really stresses a turtle if he doesn't want to be picked up. If this is the case, you aren't going to get them used to coming up to you.

I like the idea above more, just let them associate you with food and they will eventually learn to come when they see you.

[pbangelo]

I'm glad to report that as of today both Sheldon and Shelby are coming up to eat the pellets that I throw to them! I'm very excited, as this is the most bold they have been. I'm hoping it's the beginning of a long relationship...