All Turtles Message Board

therea · Level 3 Joined: 14 Sep 2006 Posts: 131 Location: England

Hi, I've not been on for a while...been moving house and stuff.

My turtle ,Billy, hissed at me today when i went to pick him up!!!! I've never heard him do it before!!! Unfortunately, he's not the most caring of turtles...
How can I make him more tame? I handle him about once a day, feed him myself (no one else does)
What else can I do?
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trtllvr99 · Posted: Mon Dec 18, 2006 2:42 pm Post subject:

Sometimes when I let mine out to walk around a bit when I pick him up to put him back he hisses at me too. I always thought this was normal?! I figured he was just cranky or something.. haha
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"I'm as self-contained as a turtle. When I put my key in the ignition, I have my home right behind me.”

Some people are slower than a herd of turtles stampeding through peanut butter.

therea · Level 3 Joined: 14 Sep 2006 Posts: 131 Location: England

I thought I'd update you a little....
I now cant go near Billy without him trying to bite me Sad

My husband picked him up with no reaction whatsoever....
I am the one that feeds them out of the two of us...I do all of it..the clean outs...water changes...everything...so why me?
We did wonder though..is it that because I'm the one who feeds him..he confuses me with food?
Any comments would be gratefully received.
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Have a nice day, and remember to smile and be nice to all!

Fred_and_George · Posted: Sat Jan 27, 2007 11:01 am Post subject:

do you hand feed him? becuase then, yes, he probably assosiates your fingers with food. your turtle probably doesnt assosiate your husband with food, for reasons you mentioned, and that is why he can touch the turtle without risk of biting. i would suggest not hand feeding him, but feeding him in a separate tub, with all the food you want to give him already in it, and then leave him alone for a bit to enjoy his meal in peace, i generally go brush my teeth or something while my guys eat, as i feed them in the morning when im getting ready, or before bed. this may or may not help, but it is worth a shot. as for the hissing, i have no idea.... i know snapping turtles hiss, i didnt know RES's did...... hm. interesting. well, good luck.
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