Hi! Introduce yourselves here. :: New to Forum and Turtles

[jrod8878]

Hello all! I'm a middle school science teacher and I will be introducing a red eared slider into my classroom when school resumes this fall. I will be acquiring a hatchling (possibly two) from my friend who is a hobbyist in the next few weeks. She is a wealth of knowledge, so I am glad to undertake my first reptile care experience with her to hold my hand!

If you could share one thing with middle school students about turtles, what would it be?


Jen

[Kansasslider]

That they should always wash their hands after handling a turtle.

[steve]

Welcome to the forum!

I'd say they are instinctively wild animals, so only handle when necessary.

[Kansasslider]

True but you know kids!

[steve]

True. How about don't hand feed?

[badturtlebadturtle]

I'm a new member here, so don't count on me for expert advice, but I've had guests at my place tapping repeatedly on the tub, shaking the tub or poking their hands in the water trying to touch my baby turtle when he's trying to hide (I don't know what they are expecting)
Also don't allow kids to carry the turt, they may often drop them. Instead let them handle him/her while they are sitting on the floor with both hands supporting his limbs. I've had a friend of mine drop my bae from 3 feet. Never again.