Red-Eared Slider Turtle Affection Question?

Question

I have just recently adopted a Red-Eared Slider Turtle because I had wanted to get into Turtles. I knew nothing about Turtles when I first bought him but by the first 2 days I had everything to keep him happy and acomidated. The only question standing is, will he ever love me? I want my turtle to obviously show effection to me just like my two Cats do. I know from Pet experience that it takes time for a pet to get to know you and start to attach to you. But for the experts who had or have Red-Eared sliders, will the Turtle ever swim up to his basking area when I walk into the room if he hasnt seen me in like a few hours and want me to hold him? Or what type of affection should I expect from a Turtle? I also would like to know how long a good relationship would take for a begginer. I also would like to know what I could do to let him know I love him and stuff? What would show him I dont mean to hurt him and im here to help him and care for him? I know these are probably easy questions..

Answer 1

Turtles are not domesticated animals and thus will not desire to "cuddle" with you. Once they get settled in and used to their new home, and get used to you being the person who feeds them, though, yes, they will start to swim over to you basically to beg. Every now and then, and this is just one of those fluke things (is the way I see it) you get an exceptional turtle. A box turtle that walks up to you as you come up. I had a snapping turtle once that enjoyed being scratched on the back of it's head... she was odd, but great. big thing to remember, is that your fingers in your turtle's face could trigger a feeding or fear response, and turtle bites aren't pleasant. Not too bad when they're little, but.... just trust me. Handle your turtle on a regular basis, but keep it oriented horizontally, it's bladder is positioned so that if you hold it upright, chances are you'll get peed on. Good luck, and I hope you enjoy your little friend.


Edited to add.....
Even with a filter, a turtle's tank is still it's toilet. Salmonella is spread via poor hygene practices... Wash your hands after handling your turtle or you're asking to get sick.

Answer 2

They will know you...but they will not look for your affection..or at least I have never seen one that would, including my own. I adopted mine as a hatchling over 2 years ago. She sees me when I come in the room and she comes to the tank and follows me, but it is because she wants fed..she has always been the biggest pig and would eat all day long if she was allowed. She has never liked to be held, and I have not seen one that really did. Some will tolerate it better than others, but most will hiss and want to be put down. Mine does not like to be picked up .
The real way to "let your turtle know you love it" is to
1. Provide enough space. These guys get big and need a big tank!
2. Provide clean water..use a good filter on your tank and do water changes regularly.
3. Provide a basking area where the turtle can get OUT of the water. Use a uvb/uva bulb. I use 100 watts.
4. Provide a well balanced diet with variety.

Wash your hands after handling, and try not to handle it very often. They can carry the salmonella bacteria.They are really not a cuddly, petting kind of pet.

Please try not to get another animal until AFTER you have read up on them and their requirements and care. :-)
Good luck

Answer 3

I have had my 2 red eared slider turtles for 18 months now. The closest thing to affection they will show is coming to front of aquarium when they see me coming. I dont think it is affection though, they know I am bringing food!!! They are to the point that if they are basking and i enter the room they will not freak out and jump into water!!! I will never expect affection like what you get with a dog or cat. I show them I love them by making sure their home is clean and giving them different varieties of food. That is what they live for!!! I give them a 100 gallon pond to live in during the summer. When they are in there instinct kicks in and they disappear every time I approach it!!! Just do what you can to make sure they are fed correctly and their water is clean and that will make them happy

Answer 4

well after a while the turtle will come up but mainly because he might think there is food. if you hold him more he will become more comfortable with you holding him and not be scared. dont hold him for too long. if he starts to dry out put him back in the water. just be weary about puting your fingers around his mouth because it will look like food and he might bite at it. they are very good pets and easy to take care of. Ive had several over the years. you can feed him those sticks from you hand after a while but just be careful again. after a while feeding him minnows and sorts will also be good for him. be gentle when you hold him and dont shake him around or talk loudly to him. loud music is also not recommened. that should do it.

Answer 5

turtles aren't really the kind to show affection. he will get used to you and not be afraid of you. but they won't be affectionate like a cat or dog

Answer 6

If you wanted a pet to love you and cuddle you should of got another cat, not a pet that you know absolutely nothing about