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2 Aggrestive?

Posted:
Tue Jun 05, 2007 12:07 am
by phobull
Is there a way for my turtle to stop been so aggrestive? i know its only nature but all they do is begg for food and when i take him out of the tank he just bites me =( and hides in the shell and tries to get away but as soon as i put him back into the tank his begging for food again =( kinda hurts when he bites me though. Will they learn to grow out of this?

Posted:
Tue Jun 05, 2007 1:38 am
by RunninWideOpen
mmm.....2 of mine never try to bite me anymore.....1 does occasionally and 1 does everytime I pick her up. I think it depends on their personallity.
I have noticed that if I am very very gentle with the one the always tries to bite, she doesn't seem quite as ticked off and determined. I'm hoping eventually she'll grow out of it as well.
Welcome to the forum!

Posted:
Tue Jun 05, 2007 2:09 am
by TexasJagsFan
My suggestion?
Don't take the turtle out of the tank and he wont bite you.

Posted:
Tue Jun 05, 2007 5:26 am
by phobull
wanna take it out for the garden =D and to watch tv with me

Posted:
Tue Jun 05, 2007 8:55 am
by phobull
Oh yes i forgot to ask does it hurt when they bite when they become bigger? and whats the max size

Posted:
Tue Jun 05, 2007 9:55 am
by RunninWideOpen
They will grow to be up to 12" long (female) (thus requiring a 120 gallon tank). And yes, it does hurt if they bite you when they are bigger. Crush has broken the skin on my fingers before and she's only 6". But, that was when I first got her. She doesn't bite as hard anymore, just kinda nips to let you know she's serious.
I think it's good to take them outside for some fresh air now and then. I'll leave mine in the back all afternoon sometimes. As far as watching tv with you, that might just be causing the turt some undue stress which could make it more aggressive. I doubt the turte enjoys tv. Probably loves the garden tho

. How long do you leave it in he garden at a time?
They're not really social creatures who like to be handled and pet, especially as babies. When they get bigger they may become more social. Mine have been. How long have you had it?

Posted:
Tue Jun 05, 2007 10:04 am
by DavidY
I used to have to pick my turtles up from behind to avoid getting bitten. Always be very gentle and calm with them even when they're being mean. Make sure to support them from underneath as well as from the side or above, so they don't feel like they're going to fall. Hopefully, yours will learn that you are not going to harm them and they will lose their fear/defensiveness around you.

Posted:
Tue Jun 05, 2007 1:21 pm
by industrial_girl_2000
phobull wrote:Oh yes i forgot to ask does it hurt when they bite when they become bigger? and whats the max size
Yes it hurts!!! I have a 9" long female RES & I stay very clear of her mouth when I am feeding her. She can latch on so hard that I can lift her out of the water (!).
In my case, she isn't being aggressive, but is just hungry & thinks everything is edible. Certain foods I will feed her with a metal baby spoon (tuna, sweet potato). This saves my fingers.
Hopefully in time your turtle will get less snappy. But it takes a long time (sometimes years). Turtles can be really hard-headed! Just be patient.

Posted:
Tue Jun 05, 2007 7:18 pm
by marisa
How long have you had your turtle(s)?

Posted:
Wed Jun 06, 2007 12:32 am
by phobull
i have had mine for about a year now it use 2 live with other fishes till oneday it ate alllllll of them except for one he he he. I prob get him a new tank soon. but im broke so i need 2 wait =(
Otaku love watermelon i wonder if he can live with other breeds of turtles.

Posted:
Wed Jun 06, 2007 1:27 am
by RunninWideOpen
i would recommend against getting another breed. some RES don't even get along with one another. My MAP and RES don't get along real well.

Posted:
Wed Jun 06, 2007 1:37 am
by xsavingsaturdayx
I agree with runninwideopen, and aside from them not getting along with each other. It can be very expensive to keep two turtle's. It mean's, DOUBLE THE SPACE, and more $$$ if they dont get along and you have to seperate them. And before introducing another turtle you have to quarantine that turtle for 90 day's in a seperate tank with a UV light, water heater, filter and etc before placing it in the tank.
Stick to one turtle.

Posted:
Wed Jun 06, 2007 2:13 am
by phobull
i see i see thanks for the tips =) i guess otaku has to be alone with no friends execept that one fish his scared of haha

Posted:
Wed Jun 06, 2007 2:22 am
by SpotsMama
Well, Otaku's got you doesn't he!

Posted:
Wed Jun 06, 2007 9:27 am
by RunninWideOpen
turtles generally are pretty happy by themselves. they don't need other turtles to keep them company.
LOL, we got some plecos for each tank to try and help with the algae. the big turtles ate theirs right away, but Spike is totally afraid of his. He gets up the courage to get close to it and check it out, and as soon as it moves he freaks out and darts away and runs into the glass.