Habitat - Indoor :: RES contact?

[RESBilly]

I was wondering if any of you guys actually hold and touch your turtle? I've been doing it for the past 8 years Billy (my RES turtle's name) has been living. I know a lot of you are going to say something about salmonella and what not, but as long as you don't eat your fingers after you touch it.... But touch as in let him lie on your lap and something along that nature.

[steve]

I think it's split down the line. I interact with my turtles a lot during the summer when I take them outside. When they're in their tank I'll just pet them or hand feed them sometimes.

[untsmurf]

I interacted with mine. I didn't take him out to roam around my house or cuddle with him or anything. But I would take him outside, give him health inspections, clean his tank, and occasionally feed him by hand. Like you said, as long as you're not lazy about washing yourself after playing with your turtle, you should be fine. Just be aware that getting sick is a possibility, so don't slack on the soap and water