General Care Discussion :: First time owner

[Amygoldberg]

I'm looking to get a red earred slider turtle from someone who no longer wants it. I've never owned a turtle but have always been fascinated by them. I've done some research and I think all is good. They now tell me that he is prone to biting and not very friendly. He is 10 years old. Any advice?

[steve]

Hi, congrats on the rescue! Turtles are not really "hands on" type of pets. If you say, get your fingers near RES when in they are in the water, they will try to bite. It's very instinctive of them and they're only thinking of food, it's nothing malicious.

Some people have out of tank areas for their turtle to roam around, you can try that to see how he responds.

[Amygoldberg]

Thanks Steve! Not looking for too much "hands on", we have a dog for that. I just don't want to be afraid of him when I need to pick him up to clean the tank, etc.

[Kansasslider]

I tend to handle my turtles from the backside. All my turtles will bite if given the chance but they don't scare me. We have a pretty good relationship. They like food and I have food. I let the smaller ones use my palm as a resting spot in the water. They really are calm turtles.

[Amygoldberg]

I just spoke directly to the owner. She said she rescued him when he was a year old and overall he has never been "friendly" as he hisses and bites. She also said she has a two year old who seems a little rambunctious and spills drinks in the tank, etc. !!! I'm thinking he desperately needs to be rescued again I just don't want to regret it down the road. Can their behaviors change?

[steve]

Behaviors do change, but it's usually for the worse. Again, if he's kept alone it should not be a problem. You will have to pick him up on occasion, but there are plenty of ways of doing it to avoid being bitten.