how can i get my red ear slider turtle to stop being so affraid of me if that is possible?

Question

my turtles name is shelly she is female and i have had her since december and when i walk past her tank if her head is up she ducks down i dont know why. She wont even eat sometimes when i am looking. Its been almost 6 months id think shed be used to me by now!!!!

Answer 1

put her in a basin with water.then try feeding(stick the treat close to her with you holding it) her with treats you have for her. I feed mine during the afternoon with shrimps.
if she won't go for it the first time then try it on another day.
my two RES would even let me pet them on their heads
some turtles are more shy than others so just be patient
you can also try this one with her on the tank if its too cumbersome for you
mine hid for some time before I even saw it eat.
you may also try to put her food on her basking area.and watch her go for it and return to the water to eat it in order for her to be comfortable with you around when she's eating

Answer 2

With any reptile you just gotta have some patience. I have 3 sliders that all did that when I got them. However once they figured out that I was the bringer of their food they quickly out grew that! LOL Now they act like they are having a tantrum everytime I come anywhere within their eye shot!

Just don't make any sudden moves or sounds when you go near the tank and your turtle will eventually settle down.

Answer 3

I've had my female RES for the past 5 years, since she was a baby. She's still a little uncomfortable with me. My male RES I've had for the past 3 years and hes more comfortable with me. Although I have always taken care of them, both turtles seem to be more comfortable with my mom. They are reptiles, don't expect them to be loving and cuddly because they're not affectionate in that way. If you feed her by hand and she gets to know your scent and associate it with feeding, she might feel more comfortable with you. Have patience!

Answer 4

This is common with small tanks. A bigger tank will help it feel more secure.

Put yourself in her shoes- a giant alien walks by the front of your house every day for purposes unknown, and occasionally drops food on your porch.

How long would it take you to get comfy with it? Would a bigger house with more hiding places help or hurt your comfort level?

Answer 5

Dunno. I frequently visit a courtyard that has cute little terrapins living in it, and they're pretty much oblivious to humans. You can pick the little suckers up and they don't really flinch.

Maybe she needs more cover, to feel like there's a place she can hide. Like some rocks or plants or something. So she doesn't feel like a little helpless turtle with a giant human towering over her.

Other than that, maybe she needs more time to come around.

Turtles do move slowly, you know.

Answer 6

Take it out of the tank occasionally and hold it. Mine were scared the first few times but now they just sit there and sometimes fall asleep. I think they like the warmth. My sister takes hers out all the time and lets it wander around her apartment. Now it follows her around like a dog. Its so weird. The more it is around you, the less frightened it will be.

Answer 7

I dont think there is anyway to stop this, but

what size of tank do you have her in?

email me personally for any questions [e-mail]

I own Red ears also.

Answer 8

Like she sad it'll take a lot of time if it is shay. Good luck and have fun.

Answer 9

takes time to recognize you-be patient.

Answer 10

it just takes time....and you haven't had it very long at all when you consider how long she will live.