General Care Discussion :: how long

[cheech&chong]

until my stupid turtles realize i'm not a threat and they stop freaking out every time i get close and dive off the dock like it's on fire? i've had them for like 3 months already.

stupid turtles.

[greek]

until my stupid turtles realize i'm not a threat and they stop freaking out every time i get close and dive off the dock like it's on fire? i've had them for like 3 months already.

stupid turtles.

although i dont think of my ice and cream couple as stupid they do the same..
also got them a couple of months but i got them at the age of three so i think they just need their time..

also when i feed them they are pretty liking me

[jenaero]

Mine are almost 3 years old and will still do that sometimes. I refer to mine as 'little buggers' sometimes but I would never call them stupid.

[DavidY]

hmmm, maybe if you stopped calling them "stupid" they might like you better. You can attract more turtles with shrimp than with vinegar...or something like that.

Seriously, though, it may take a while maybe even a year for them to calm down some. And even then, after they get used to you, there may be times where they will suddenly start spooking easily again. Usually reptiles in general are very skittish when they're small, but as they reach adult size they become more confident and less jumpy. There are exceptions, but in general that's usually the case.

Just be consistent and always be calm around them, try not to make sudden moves or reach over them if possible. Usually anything overhead is a predator or potential threat. Also, whenever you have to do any work in or around the tank or even during feeding, approach the tank slowly and sit down in front of it for a while. Give them a chance to settle down and get a good look at you. Then go ahead with whatever you were going to do. They need to know that you are not a threat and it helps if they can stop panicking first, before you go on with your non-threatening movements. It also helps if they are able to watch you while you're working around them. If they're busy panicking and trying to run away, for all they know you could be turning into a giant mouth full of sharp teeth getting ready to swallow them. If they can see you working, then they'll realize that you are not going to harm them.

[industrial_girl_2000]

until my stupid turtles realize i'm not a threat and they stop freaking out every time i get close and dive off the dock like it's on fire? i've had them for like 3 months already.

stupid turtles.

Stop using the word stupid! LOL!

ONLY 3 months? Well, yeesh, you have along time to go before they stop doing that. It can take YEARS for these little hard-headed guys to stop doing that. Some never stop. It all depends on the turtle.

Oh, and FYI, they can sense when someone doesn't like them. If you approach them in a loving way (slowly/caring/gently talking to them), they will respond better. But it takes years. This piece of advice comes from someone who has had the *SAME* turtle for 17 yrs. I've had PLENTY of time to observe her behavior & she is very tame now. But I work with her a lot.

Not saying that you "don't like" your turtles, but turtles can easily confuse your frustration with them for anger even if you don't mean to be that way. Just always be happy to see them (keeping a tiny morsel of good treats/food in your hand helps too).

[marisa]

The behavior is instinctive and their way of responding to being startled/getting away from what they perceive as a predator. I think they're being smart, not stupid to do this.

My RES knows me and is really good at staying on the basking area when I'm around. Sometimes I have to go up to him and keep him "occupied" when someone else enters the room so he won't jump off. But he'll still respond by diving into the water if he's spooked by me carrying something large and unfamiliar in my hands or if I enter the room when it's not fully lit and he can't see that it's me.

It takes time for them not to be so skittish, but the behavior won't be erradicated entirely. Some turtles are naturally shyer than others as well---I have a painted that is afraid of his own shadow and I think always will be.

[Tenodera]

lol i've noticed with all of your posts it always ends with "Stupid turtles..."

My Serra was friendly from the start. Cooters are more friendly than RES. MUAHAHA

[cheech&chong]

the whole "stupid turtles" is just a repetitive joke I use... please don't think I believe this, and I never express frustration and/or anger towards them... I love my stupid little turtles with all my heart and I treat them very gently. I even talk to them. But they just stare at me like I'm an idiot.

Stupid turtles...

[Opus]

Lol!maybe they just want your attension more,or they just like teasing you!