Growing Like a Weed - Page 22

guidofatherof5 · 07-17-14, 12:33 PM

Yesterday was a very interesting day with Tank. When I first checked on him it was obvious he needed his water changed. He was 24 hours late on his regular bowel movement so seeing this mess was a relief. After draining and refilling his water I left but noticed Tank wanted me to stay. Throughout the day I usually check on Tank 20 to 30 times. Some of those times would consist of me popping into his room and saying hello but today Tank was waiting for me, looking over the top of the tub. Each time I saw this I went in and sat down to talk with him. During these times he moved close to me stretching up to my face. As I talk he watched and listened as if he was getting some good out of the encounter. This wasn’t a “feed me” look, it was a “spend time with me” look. When I would get up to leave he would stretched up as if to say “don’t go”. This was repeated at least 20 times during the day. It was obvious to me he wanted attention. Night came and he went to sleep in his water. Late in the even one of my daughters want to get a shower so that meant Tank had to come out of the tub. I made his bed and tucked him in. Moments later I noticed his head sticking out from under the blanket. I laid down on the floor and talked with him. He got as close to my face as possible almost touching me. I cupped his head in my hand and continued to talk, telling him how he need to go to bed and so did I. As I talked I could feel the weight of his head increasing. After 45 minutes of nonstop talking he closed his eyes and fell asleep. I carefully placed his head on his pillow and covered him up. He slept all night, getting up at 6am when I got up.
I think Tank wasn’t feeling well all day and needed some comfort, much like many of our pets, us too. Today, Tank is more back to normal but still wanting that close contact, just not like the day before.
Thanks for listening to my rambling.

buzzbait · 07-17-14, 07:21 PM

Just joined the forum and found this thread and spent the last 2 hours (atleast it feels like) reading every bit of it. WOW your turtle is amazing, I could only dream of my snapper being this nice. Although, he isn't very snappy himself. This entire story is awesome it really shows how unique each and every animal can be. You can see the intelligence in tanks eyes!! Reminds me of my nile monitor he is one of the most intelligent animals I've ever worked with. WOW has he grown in 5 years, I hope my snapper Is that size in 3 years, this thread encouraged me to give my snapper a good meal tonight so I gave him 2 f/t adult mice and 4 perch fillets(:

guidofatherof5 · 07-20-14, 09:21 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by buzzbait

Just joined the forum and found this thread and spent the last 2 hours (atleast it feels like) reading every bit of it. WOW your turtle is amazing, I could only dream of my snapper being this nice. Although, he isn't very snappy himself. This entire story is awesome it really shows how unique each and every animal can be. You can see the intelligence in tanks eyes!! Reminds me of my nile monitor he is one of the most intelligent animals I've ever worked with. WOW has he grown in 5 years, I hope my snapper Is that size in 3 years, this thread encouraged me to give my snapper a good meal tonight so I gave him 2 f/t adult mice and 4 perch fillets(:

Glad you enjoyed and it appears your turtle did too.

guidofatherof5 · 07-21-14, 06:26 PM

Being a father of 5 kids I’ve wiped many a dirty face in my time. Most of that was met with the same resistance I gave my mother, pulling and twisting away from the offending washcloth or Kleenex. This isn’t a uniquely human response.
Bear with me, I’m getting to my point.
The other day I noticed Tank had some dead skin around his jaw hinge. I first showed him an open hand so he recognized this was not a food situation. Then I simply reach in and started rubbing the offending area. Tank did exactly what any kid would do, he pulled away to avoid the contact. Being a good parent I pressed on until the area was clean.
This wonderful 36 pound snapping turtle resisted but never became angry or aggressive. He had every opportunity to bite me but didn’t. To him, it’s just another day in his life. He’s the most trusting and relaxed turtle I have ever seen.

**millertime89** · 07-21-14, 06:55 PM

When I saw the first picture of your two kids at the vet I was really hoping for an updated comparison shot. You didn't disappoint!

guidofatherof5 · 07-21-14, 08:02 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by millertime89

When I saw the first picture of your two kids at the vet I was really hoping for an updated comparison shot. You didn't disappoint!

Thanks. He's grow a little since the last time you saw him in person.

guidofatherof5 · 07-24-14, 09:06 PM

Coming soon to a web browser near you.

tanktheturtle.com

guidofatherof5 · 07-26-14, 09:51 PM

The above link is now active.

guidofatherof5 · 07-30-14, 11:11 AM

Here's the link.
Home

guidofatherof5 · 07-31-14, 05:02 PM

Tank showed me today how his natural instincts are still with him. While a friend was over I showed Tank a large photo of himself. Tank immediately went into territorial mode. He chased the photo and bit at it. He is amazingly fast for a 36 pound turtle. He successfully chased the interloping turtle out of the living room. The nice things is he never transfers his anger to us. Once the photo was out of sight he calmed down to his nice self. I'm glad for that.

Teal · 08-03-14, 02:44 AM

I cannot convey how much love I have for Tank! You are AWESOME for sharing your experiences with that amazing turtle <3 Keep em coming!!

guidofatherof5 · 08-03-14, 10:28 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Teal

I cannot convey how much love I have for Tank! You are AWESOME for sharing your experiences with that amazing turtle <3 Keep em coming!!

I will. Be sure to visit Tank on his website tanktheturtle.com
He also has a FB page @Tank Gilfillan

I love sharing about Tank but nothing is like being up close and personal with him. We are face to face during most of these encounters.
I see him many times every day so I don't recognize how much he's growing but last night it hit me that he really is a large turtle. He could inflict some big injuries if he wanted to but he doesn't. He's so used to being touched by me. I trust him and he trusts me.

Teal · 08-03-14, 01:01 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by guidofatherof5

I will. Be sure to visit Tank on his website tanktheturtle.com
He also has a FB page @Tank Gilfillan

I love sharing about Tank but nothing is like being up close and personal with him. We are face to face during most of these encounters.
I see him many times every day so I don't recognize how much he's growing but last night it hit me that he really is a large turtle. He could inflict some big injuries if he wanted to but he doesn't. He's so used to being touched by me. I trust him and he trusts me.

I'll bookmark his website!

It's crazy when you sit back and realize how potentially dangerous an animal you are very close to could be, isn't it? I've had moments like that. It's amazing that they choose to trust and accept us (:

Have you ever thought of breeding Tank, to see if he might produce equally personable offspring? Snappers are abundant, though, I think? But it would be interesting!

guidofatherof5 · 08-04-14, 06:10 AM

Yes, I have thought of breeding Tank but normal breeding is a dangerous undertaking for both the male and females. I would not want to risk injury to both turtles. I know of a person working with artificial insemination on snapping turtles but haven't heard whether that has worked out.
The thought of caring for 30-40 little Tank's is ...............a daunting one.

guidofatherof5 · 08-05-14, 03:30 PM

Tank has a new home in the living room again. This oval 100 gallon tub should work well for awhile. Tank still like to get out and explore as you can see.