is it bad to hold turtles? how much is to much?

Question

i just got one, 3 there still little, any more tips aswell, TIPS i do have a basic knowledge on turtle care

Answer 1

It is stressful for most reptiles to hold them. Look at it from their point of view- this giant warm-skinned creature has picked me up- high over the nice, safe ground or pond. This giant thing is not food, shelter, a potential mate or another turtle- it pretty much HAS to be some kind of evil eagle or predator.

Turtles (and other reptiles) are not normally affectionate to things outside their species or to members of their extended families or packs. A mammal, even a rodent, might grow to accept you as a weird member of it's family, a turtle never will.

The best keepers rarely handle their turtles- a short handling every couple days keeps them from getting too skittish and allows you to clean the tank or check them out without too much stress.

Answer 2

If they are safe enough for you to hold. i.e. they won't bite your fingers or anything, then you can hold them whenever you want.

Careful walking around, and doing things. They do get stressed. At the beginning, I wouldn't hold them as much, and I would just gradually after a while start holding them a little more.

like all reptiles, turtles should be held daily atleast. Reptiles can be extremely strange in the fact if you don't hold them enough, then they get a bit agressive.

I have had about 3 rescued Eastern Box turtles, they are awesome. I don't have any real turtles, but my husband thinks I am obsessed with them. I have turtle statues, and nick-nacks all over the house. :-)

Good luck with the new little guy

Katie

P.S. Make sure to wash your hands EVERY time you hold him, before and after. Turtles can catch diseases pretty easy, like a common cold. They also can give you really bad ones too.

Also, NEVER let him go into the wild. While he has had his entire captivity to get used to our common cold, and other diseases, the other creatures in the wild havent, and that can really cause problems. Not to mention he could forget how to fend for himself and get his own food, etc.

Answer 3

It depents on whatb caned of turtle it is if it is aquatic turtle it is alright to hold them or if it is the can you buy at a pet you can hold them because they do not bit because i have three of my own i had i for almost 10 year and it do not bit.

Answer 4

Sounds something like Discworld from Terry Pratchett.

Answer 5

it is great to hold your turtle
just wash your hands afterwards
as they carry salmonella germs

Answer 6

it's okay, but don't over handle them. they get stressed out and can die. make sure to wash your hands thoroughly, before and after, too.

Answer 7

EAT IT