Other pets (pics and discussions)

[jwolfe152]

sometime the shyness is there and sometimes its not if bugger is hungry and seems me with the worm bowl he sticks his head way out of the water and chases my hand till i drop worm for him. then sometimes i just go to look in on him and sometimes he stares at me and sometimes he gets back under the water they are strange creatures indeed but i like them a lot. i still cant find a pond are to take bugger to i only know of one pond and im sure it has bigger snappers in it but there are no weeds around it, but it does have a "gazebo" type building that hangs over the water do you think that those conditions would be good for the little bugger?

[guidofatherof5]

I would say no. Young turtles in general need a place to hide until the are out of the "happy meal" size.
A small turtle is preyed upon from top and bottom in open or unprotected waters.

[jwolfe152]

ok i think im going to look at the google satellite map and see if i cand find somewhere good. i picked he up because i didnt want him to get eaten why drop him off somewhere worse that would just be stupid of me

[guidofatherof5]

Only in captivity will he be truly safe. Releasing into nature is a real flip of the coin and to be honest most young turtles never make it to adulthood. By finding a spot that offers him a better chance is all you can do.

[jwolfe152]

yea you go a point there with the coin flip im just trying to be optimistic even though i know thats not how it works maybe i can find someone to adopt the little guy someone with a big place or a big tank or something. anyone interested?

[guidofatherof5]

Sorry, I want to devote my turtle time to Tank.
See if a local nature center/rescue center will take him or possibly know of where you could do a release.

[jwolfe152]

well i just talked to my friend and she said they have let the pond go to hell (the weeds and cattails) and she said they have a few snappers that moved in. there are a few shallowish spots with the cattails and everything that i will check out tomorrow and see what i think

[guidofatherof5]

I love working with Tank (24 lb, Chelydra serpentina - Common Snapping Turtle) Defensive behavior just isn't part of his personality. I'm sure it could be if it were needed but his life doesn't require it now. After giving him a rub down this morning he turn and stretched his neck out towards my face. He rested his head against my nose. After a minute he turned away. Why did he do it? I don't know but I hope it made him feel safe/secure/loved. It sure made me feel good. I guess in the end that's all that matters. Thanks Tank.

[jwolfe152]

wow tank NEVER ceases to amaze hopefully soon i will be in a position to get another baby and have the same thing you guys have. and people say that turtles are not cuddly pets and all this other crap. tank just proves how they can be if given enough time and love

[guidofatherof5]

Tank got up the morning and thought he needed some under the front rug time. I checked on him throughout the morning and he was never asleep. He likes to get under things and look out.