hold my baby painted turtle a lot. I do it so he can get used to it.
2007-08-04 17:27:23 · 9 answers · asked by *~*~tubane~*~* 3 in Pets ➔ Reptiles
Not really. Turtles, like most reptiles, don't care to be held all that much, and they tend to carry the salmonella virus (among others) that can easily be passed to humans. Settle for hand-feeding him, and having him be calm when you're within touching distance. That's all the trust you can expect from a turtle.
2007-08-04 17:31:52 · answer #1 · answered by ? 5 · 2⤊ 1⤋
Please stop this. Put yourself in the turtle's position and think about what you would feel if a 200 foot tall alien creature picked you up for unknown reasons, and dangled you far above your nice, safe, home.
Turtles do not like being held or cuddled. It does not remind them of being young with their mother like it does for most mammals. To feel safe, a turtle has to feel like it can drop into water and swim away quickly- and it cannot do that when it is held.
The turtle may stop reacting- but that basically usually means it is so stressed out that it has given up. Turtles like this rarely have long, happy, healthy lives.
To make things even worse- one of the turtle's main enemies, hawks, picks them up into the air- just like what you are doing.
How long would it take you to get to like having a wild lion put its mouth around your head?
2007-08-05 01:14:59 · answer #2 · answered by Madkins007 7 · 3⤊ 0⤋
I don't think he is happy being held, they learn to come to the place you feed and to follow to hope to be fed and even scratched, but holding isn't a happy thing for them. Notice the nature of the Turtle, how they quickly slide into the water at the slightest noise or movement, you don't train them anymore than a Crocodile.
2007-08-05 01:32:57 · answer #3 · answered by Faerie loue 5 · 1⤊ 0⤋
I would agree that salmonella is a big worry, so hand washing would be a good precaution. However, smearing your hands with dirt BEFORE handling him is also recommended, as amphibious species often have very porous skin that can be sensitive to the acids and oils on human hands. A layer of dirt should be enough to protect him, though. And watch out for turtle bites!
2007-08-05 00:59:53 · answer #4 · answered by sheisfunky 2 · 1⤊ 1⤋
Its ok but you have to think of this they probably dont like that flying through the air feeling. So dont over handle it .Some turtles have been known to have salmonela so if you handle it you need to wash your hands with anti bacterial soapBefore so you dont make it sick and after so it doesnt make you sick..
2007-08-05 00:33:48 · answer #5 · answered by Laurabear41 3 · 1⤊ 1⤋
turtles dont like being touched very much but you can handle it. afterwards you have to wash your hands or you could get salmonella witch can kill you plus he might bite, mine does.
2007-08-05 00:41:57 · answer #6 · answered by lisa s 1 · 1⤊ 0⤋
awww... yes its ok to hold ur turtle alot.
2007-08-05 00:34:55 · answer #7 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 3⤋
Most definitely!!! Just wash your hands when you are finished, and don't eat or touch your mouth while you have it in your hands. Salmonella is NASTY!!!!
2007-08-05 00:32:51 · answer #8 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 3⤋
yes do it
2007-08-05 00:34:22 · answer #9 · answered by Michael M 7 · 1⤊ 3⤋