my turtle is mean?

Question

i know the fact that i found him in the wild when i was fishing has a lot to do with it (he was nearly dead), but he is the meanest little red ear slider ive ever seen (i know hes a red ear and not a snapper or anything)...he bites ferociously as anything i put up to his mouth, especially my fingers! he is still small (about 3.5 inches long) and i got him when he was only 2 or less inches long. i try holding him (not all too often though because i know your not really supposed to) but it seems the more i try the meaner he gets!! got any advice on how to tame this beast?

Answer 1

Newsflash: It's a turtle! They are not known for their intelligence. It is doubtful that you will have any success "training" it.

As for the biting, it is either just looking for food (this is the time of year when they feed themselves up before slowing down for the winter) or trying to defend itself against that hideous beast that is holding it hostage (that would be you).

Answer 2

First, you should'nt be too concerned if he's mean. Actually, you should be relieved. If a turtle is energetic and tries to bite you all the time, it means he is healthy enough to scamper about, and he's not sluggish as if he were sick. Secondly, biting is what they do, and you can't change it no matter how much you try. The whole "catching in the wild" has nothing to do with it. People raise turtles for generations in captivity and still get nipped. So just be content in the fact that you found an awesome pet that's full of "spunk."

Answer 3

One, Red Eared Sliders are ferocious little guys. Even ones bred in captivity tend to be a little cranky.
Two, keep your fingers away from his mouth.
Three, let him go. Turtles do best in the wild. If he is healthy now, you should let him go. Consider building him a pond in your yard. Fence it in and he can live there, close to you, but still semi-wild.

Answer 4

1. Wild caught animals are terrible pets. if you enjoy having a turtle, buy a captive bred speciman.

2. It helps if you are offering the right cares. Check out http://www.redearslider.com to find the basics for good care.

3. Some individuals are ALWAYS snappy... as long as they are reasonably healthy. Sorry, but that is the way it is!

Answer 5

You would be mean to if you were found half dead.If you do decide to keep him just keep doing what ever you are doing because he is better than he was before you found him right.Do not try so hard turtles are not hands on pets he may never want to be held.The only time I have hands on my turtle is to pick her up to put her in little tank so I can clean big tank that is all.

Answer 6

I've heard that sliders are the worst pets for biting. Maybe once he gets more familiar he will stop. My turtles tend to bite any food that is moving but they do not bite me. Although I have reeves turtles and not sliders. Good luck.

Answer 7

You cannot tame him or gentle him by cuddling. He is a reptile not a puppy dog. His brain is hard wired to bite at things he sees as a possible food source. He does not care about you as a person, only as a food. Let him go back to the pond you found him at, it's the best thing for him. (or her)

Answer 8

You Can't tame him because it is there natural instinct to be that way.
Because you took him out of his natural realm he is only going to get meaner.

Answer 9

Awww! How dare you call him mean!?!??! He's just a baby! Shame on you! I'll adopt him since you want to be a bad parent and bad mouth your own child! :(

Answer 10

I think you need to take the hint - its a turtle not a teddy bear