How to Make a Turtle Not Scared of You (2024)

FAQs

How to Make a Turtle Not Scared of You? ›

Make slow movements to let the turtle know of your presence without disturbing the feeding. Gradually begin attempting to feed by hand. Hold a piece of lettuce or other vegetable 6 inches from the turtle and wait patiently until he eats from your hand.

Use your finger to gently rub the turtle under the chin and along the cheeks. Massage the neck. Once a turtle trusts you, you may be able to massage its neck without causing it to withdraw into its shell. Pet your turtle's shell.

Historically, turtles are not the most "interactive" of pets :D. Most are pretty fearful; that instinct is unfortunately strong. I would suggest adding more enrichment to decrease his stress level - a place to hide, natural substrates, natural foods, plenty of space to move/swim, etc.

Make sure the enclosure is clean, warm, and has some places to hide. Put the turtle in, and ignore it for a week or so. Turtles are curious, and after a while, your turtle will probably come out--when you are not looking. Just leave a little food in the enclosure.

Give your turtle toys.

They will get stressed out. After all, they are not a dog! Consider providing your turtle with an empty shell that they can slide across the floor with or place a small toy raft in their water that they can push along for fun. Train your turtle to eat from your hand.

Handle Turtles Gently.

If necessary to pick them up, all turtles except Snappers and Softshells ("leatherbacks" - see below for more information on these species that may bite when picked up) should be grasped gently along the shell edge near the mid-point of the body.

Turtles prefer to be alone, and they never welcome being picked up and handled. Because turtles aren't affectionate, don't like to be held, stroked or cuddled and don't play with toys, many people lose interest and cease to take proper care of them.

As reptilian kidneys are unable to excrete large volumes of salt via urine, sea turtles evolved specialised secretory glands (lachrymal glands) located in the corner of each eye to remove excess salt. The liquid secreted gives the appearance of tears, hence why turtles are often reported to “cry” .

Turtle Hates The Color Black.

Some turtles may be frightened and try to bite. Do not pick them up by the tail! This could seriously injure the turtle. You can safely help a snapping turtle in the road by using a car mat or by carefully holding them at the back of the shell and not the sides.

How do you get a turtle to let go of you? ›

To get a turtle to let go, try either pouring water over the turtle's face, or submerge the turtle in water. Myth: Turtles will eat all the fish in a pond. Fact: Turtles will eat all the sick, slow, diseased, or dying fish in a pond.

In reality, turtles and tortoises do not feel the range of emotions that humans do. Anger - Turtles can and do fight with other turtles, not out of animosity, but rather as a means to an end. For instance, they will fight other turtles that are competition for a mate or for food.

Do Not Play with Your Turtle Often. Turtles get stressed easily when handled. They aren't very good playmates and are better treated as something to look at rather than touch. Never drop or throw your turtle as they can get hurt easily, even with their hard shells.

The key to building a friendly relationship with your turtle is regular interactions and patience. Turtles are naturally shy, but they will eventually let some of their guard down when you are present.

While they may not express the affection in the same way as more traditionally affectionate animals, turtles can still from meaningful connections with humans.

In Minecraft, turtles can be found in the Beach biome. While turtles are generally found swimming in the water, if you do find a turtle on land it will be moving very slowly and will probably be headed in the direction of the nearest body of water. Turtles can be persuaded to follow you if you hold seagrass.

Most people don't realize this, but many turtles recognize the sight and sounds of their owners! In fact, many owners comment how their pets swim right up to the water surface to greet them when they walk in the room. You might not expect it, but your turtle may actually come to you when you call him!