Posted: Fri Oct 19, 2007 10:31 pm
Well, I figured out how to post pictures and put a few in the Photo Gallery.
To answer some questions from above:
Penelope moved in on Monday, June 11, 2007 (I use the words 'moved in' because "became held captive" just sounds so wrong). Though, it was one of those sticky-wicket situations - had she been out of the wild too long to send back? Would she be miserable in a tank? In the end it all turned out for the best. So I rationalize...hmm...no captivity=no vet...no vet=remains ill...remains ill=a really unhappy turtle.
I had the thrill of watching her shed her scutes over the past few weeks. I think I got them all - the carapace, plastron, sides, everywhere. I sent them to school with my son, to give to his Biology teacher. He really appreciated them.
Last night I was feeding her dinner and wondering why she was so "tame" in such a short period of time. I guess it's because I've made a ritual out of feeding and my husband has made a ritual out of rubbing her neck. Here's the odd part; there were a few weeks where we were so busy we didn't have time to do our nightly ritual let alone take her out of the tank. When we finally took her out she was not so nice anymore (trying to bite us and wriggle away). After a few days she came around. So giving her constant attention daily is definitely a contributing factor to taming the wild.
And sometimes when watching her in her tank, the predator in her comes out and it's kind of freaky.
But I always remember where she came from and that no matter what, she will always have that call-of-the-wild.
I think I've written way too much, so I will move along.
Thanks for the warm welcomes!
I have a 2 yo male turtle and a baby turtle 2-3 months old, I'm interested in knowing more about them,
