General Care Discussion :: Can I bond with my turtle?

[ataraxiamb]

I haven't held Bill much in the last several months. He never seemed to care for it much. Now he has gotten quite large and he hisses and opens his mouth when I hold him, and frankly, I'm a little scared of him. I'd really like it if he were a lap turtle or if at least we could have a little bit of interaction. I know RES are not super affectionate or interactive pets, but I'd like to be able to have some kind of relationship with him. How do I nurture this?

[Kansasslider]

My female doesn't really like me taking her out of the tank but I find if I put my hand under her gently and just kinda bring her to the water surface and talk to her she will stay in my hand for some time. When she wants to leave I let her go on her way. Hope that helps. Not sure about a lap turtle maybe you need a dog I see you have cats

[ataraxiamb]

I tried that and he got pretty squirmy. What about hand-feeding?

[Kansasslider]

I hand feed. Maybe your turtle is shy or aggressive?

[ataraxiamb]

I don't think he's aggressive. He's never bitten me. I tried the holding him in the water thing again today and he responded a little more positively. Maybe it will just take some time.

[Kansasslider]

Yea I interact or hold my turtles almost daily. And have since they were hatchlings.

[Impulse Shopper]

My female doesn't really like me taking her out of the tank but I find if I put my hand under her gently and just kinda bring her to the water surface and talk to her she will stay in my hand for some time.

That's sweet.

When I'm moving George from one tank to the other, she stays in my hand when for a while and is free to swim away when she's ready