Posted: Wed May 05, 2010 8:32 pm
Try hand feeding the shy turtle. I did that with all three of mine, and they like the presence of my hands in the tank very much. Of course this does encourage them to take a nip at your fingers cause they think there is food there.
In any case, my newest turtle, Sadie, has been in my house a little more than a week. She wasn't all that thrilled with us at first. I started hand feeding her five days ago. She doesn't just expect me to hand feed her now, but she will even beg for regular attention, like petting and what not, so, it is can work. My other turtle, Typhoon, is and always will be super shy, but she doesn't hide from my hands anymore like she used to, since now she knows it's a positive thing for her.
There is a chance it might not work, but heck, I haven't a clue what Sadie's upbringing is, and for her to trust me after five days, shows that intelligence and survival instincts rule above all else. She knows that she will survive if my hand gives her food.
Spike - Egyptian mau mix, 8 years old
Phryne - Japanese bobtail, 9 months old
Hurricane - RES, 8 yo, 6 1/2 in. long
Typhoon - RES/Map hybrid, 8 yo, 7 in. long
Sadie - RES, 20 yo, 10 in. long
Sophie - Colombian red tail boa, 5 yo, 5 ft. long
