General Care Discussion :: Weird topic alert: "Disciplining" a turtle

[JimmyLo]

Ok, I totally realize that this is an odd question, but I've been thinking a lot about it lately:

Sometimes my turtles do undesirable things. Sometimes they think my hand is food and they'll bite me, other times they eat the fake plants or try to get out of the enclosure.

I've been able to train my turtles to do fabulous things, and have them wrapped around my finger, except with a few things that I'd like to train them out of.

[LeonardoTheTerrapin]

I've been thinking about that since I got my trio of RES over 20 years ago LOL, but have learned to accept that it's just their instinct and that they are not too bright (or pretend not too!).

They remind me of zombies in a way, as they seem to be driven by hunger more than anything!

But I'm glad that my remaining one responds to my voice, and comes up to "snuggle" when he's out and about!

[apondfortimmy]

I was wondering about this myself the other day.
I know they can be trained with enough positive reinforcement (treats and food), but I have no idea if they'd grok punishment of some sort since they run on instinct so much. It might make them scared.

Let me know if you make progress with any method.



Zombies in shells.

[Diamondbacks4Life]

Lol i poke mine in the nose when their bad. Does nothing but i feel like i tried meh lol.

[devilduck]

I think the turtle may respond better to positive reinforcement if at all. What your describing is basically what everyone's turtle does, it's all basic instinct.

[ignites]

Turtles are curious, which tricks us into thinking they're smart but their end goal is always food food food food /