Content

• Steps
• Warning

Turtles are considered the cutest of all reptiles. Thanks to this feature, they are often raised as pets. However, turtles really do not like being touched and petted like other pets. This makes cuddling them a little more complicated. For those who keep turtles / ba ba, this article will detail how to cuddle without harming them.

Steps

Part 1 of 2: Cuddling a turtle

1. 

   Approach from the front. If the tortoise can't see you and suddenly a strange hand appears, it will scare you and bite you. Always approach the turtle from the front so they can see you.

2. 

   
   
   Place the turtle on a flat, low surface. Turtles are most receptive to human interaction when they feel secure and safe, so it's a good idea to place turtles on the floor (tile floors are better than carpet) when petting them.

3. 

   Caress the top of the head. Gently hover your finger over the center of the top of the turtle's head, being careful not to touch the turtle's nose / eyes.
   • If turtles point their heads up repeatedly and open their mouths, they are trying to let you know they don't like you touching your head.

4. 

   
   
   Cheeks and chin strokes. Use your fingers to rub gently under the chin and along the turtle's cheeks.

5. 

   Massage the turtle neck. Once the turtle trusts its owner, you can massage the turtles' necks without indenting them in the shell.

6. 

   
   
   Caressing a turtle's shell. Turtles can be felt through their shells. So you can stroke the shell in a slow circle or run your fingers in a straight line the length of the shell.
   • Another way to caress the shell with your finger is to gently rub a toothbrush or other fine bristled brush along the top of the shell.

7. 

   Cuddle the turtle in your lap. Another way to cuddle turtles is to connect with them by allowing them to crawl on or sit on your lap. Just make sure they don't fall out.
   • Turtles will pee when you lift them, so be careful when handling them.

8. 

   Be patient. Turtles don't always like being cuddled, but the more you touch them, the more familiar they will be with human interaction.
   • Turtles associate their owners with food, so you can reward them when they allow you to cuddle.
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Part 2 of 2: Touching a turtle

1. 

   Know the risks. Tortoises are not dangerous animals with the potential to harm humans. However, a few varieties of turtles, especially crocodile turtles, are capable of causing painful and potentially harmful bites. In addition, turtles can transmit a number of dangerous diseases to humans. Turtle skin is often contaminated with salmonella which can make people very sick.
   • The salmonella bacteria cannot be washed away from the skin.
   • Do not let children touch turtles without supervision.

2. 

   Patience. Owning a farmed turtle does not mean that the animal is domesticated. Unlike some cats and dogs that naturally develop feelings for humans, turtles tend to be wary of humans with hesitation and fear. For this reason, you need to be patient with your turtle. Turtles take a long time to recognize and trust you as their owner.

3. 

   Touch carefully. Turtles seem strong and sturdy thanks to the shell. However, the turtle's feet and head that come into contact outside are vulnerable if the turtle is not properly touched. Some tips here are:
   • Try to avoid lifting or touching the turtle unless necessary. When it is necessary to lift the small tortoise, you can place your palms under their bib (or lower shell / belly) and make sure their legs can reach your hand. In the wild, turtles don't spend a lot of time getting off the ground. Placing your hand under the turtle will make them feel more comfortable.
   • Always lift turtle from behind and not from the front. Turtles are unpredictable animals and lifting them from the front will make them more likely to bite you. Turtles can urinate when lifted, and that's why it's a good idea to wear gloves when handling them.
   • Do not place turtle on a high surface edge. They are not always able to perceive their surroundings and can crawl over surface edges and fall painfully.
   • As a general rule, you shouldn't touch the turtle's legs or claws.
   • Remember, a tortoise shell is not invincible. Some turtles have soft shells that are easily scratched or damaged, leading to fungal infections. Even turtles with hard shells are at risk of injuring or breaking their shells, so be extra careful.

4. 

   Consider the ambient temperature. Turtles will be active, alert, and receptive when they feel warm. Cold turtles are more likely to dodge external stimuli because they are not entirely sure what is happening around them. The best time to cuddle or touch turtles is after they are in the sun or under a heating lamp.
   • Turtles need exposure to sunlight, not just heating lamps or artificial sunlight. Lack of sunlight can lead to metabolic bone diseases, mainly bone breakdown in turtles.

5. 

   Understand turtle communication. Turtles are not very social animals. However, there are a few physical signs that indicate that they are not in the mood for human contact. Symptoms include:
   • Hissed
   • Sit motionless and open your mouth
   • Falling in tomorrow
   • Has the act of snapping or biting

6. 

   Practice proper hygiene. Always wash your hands after touching turtles, as skin problems can be harmful to humans. Most experts suggest wearing gloves when touching the turtle, although this will not be true for the purpose of cuddling the turtle. Also, keep in mind that turtles spend most of their time in dust and dirty water, so it's a good idea to rinse them off before contacting them. advertisement

Warning

• Do not attempt to touch or pet wild turtles.
• Unless you are a trained professional, you should not keep a crocodile turtle. This tortoise bites very strongly and can be quite aggressive.
• Turtles are not pets that love to be touched all the time. Some turtles will spend their entire lives with their owners, but still do not accept human affection.