Growing Like a Weed - Page 23

guidofatherof5 · 08-11-14, 05:42 AM

Mikoh4792 · 08-13-14, 07:39 AM

Thanks for sharing! He's very mellow.

guidofatherof5 · 08-17-14, 04:48 PM

After waking up Tank likes to get his morning stretches done.

guidofatherof5 · 09-03-14, 04:24 PM

A Funny Tank Story

For almost a week Tank has been off food. This isn't normal for him and as far as I can remember he's never turned more then 1 meal down. I've been very worried about him and thought he might be constipated or worst had a blockage. I've had little sleep the last few night as I'm always checking on the big guy. He's been very restless in his water and can't seem to figure whether he wants in it or out of it.
Today, he came to me and acted like he wanted out of his water. I lifted him out and set him on the floor next to me. He immediately started climbing up on my lap. My first reaction was one of appreciation thinking he wanted to sit with me. That reaction was replaced quickly with "oh, crap" From his body and head position and the look in his eye I could tell he was being a little to friendly, if you know what I mean. I started laughing but quickly got up when I though he was about to bite my shirt. It wasn't a mean bite but a love bite as they grab the neck skin of their mate and clamp their claws on the female's shell.
It became obvious to me what tank is going through. He's in "Heat" and looking for love in the wrong place.
This time will pass in the next few weeks and I'll have my boy back. For now, we're all watching out for the wildman turtle. I hope the dog is smart enough to avoid him.
I love Tank but not as much as he loves me right now

guidofatherof5 · 09-05-14, 09:36 PM

Tank is having a difficult time with this "heat" or "rut" he's going through. This would be a time in his life where fighting with other males would be important and aggression would be high. We still have a close relationship. He still relays on me for interaction not related to his situation. I think he gets some comfort out of our late night talk time. I talk and pat/rub the crown of his shell and he sits calmly and listens. Over the last week I've been spending extra time with him. During some of those times I'll turn my head to check on him and we'll bump faces. He sits and watches me while I work on my laptop or tablet. I do this on the floor right next to his water enclosure. Sometimes I rest my head on the edge of it only to feel him touch it with his nose. These are normal situations for Tank and I. Close contact is a daily occurrence and he has every opportunity to bite me but doesn't. I'm once again in awe of how calm and relaxed this big snapping turtle is. His curiosity about the world around him is fascinating to be part of. Most new things that are brought into the house have to be examined by him. He'll give it a close visual inspection, touch and smell. He remembers thing and doesn't need to see it twice. I'm thinking about setting up a small T.V. monitor for him to watch.
This is one awesome turtle and I look forward to many years of being with him.

philbyi-guy · 09-06-14, 12:12 PM

He's awesome. First time I've been able to open this thread since my school wifi blocks it. "keyword 'weed' " lol

guidofatherof5 · 09-06-14, 08:14 PM

Here's Tank's new digs. 300 gallon stock tank modified for the little man. It's funny how small he looks in this thing even at 36+ pounds.
This thing is about 5 inches taller then his old one. That's not good as he can't see me when I'm on the floor working on my tablet. He has to climb and look over but always seems to know where to do it. I had to leave tonight, as I walked to the door he through a fit trying to follow. I had to sit on the floor and talk to him. Once he was busy I jumped up and headed out the door. He's worse then a lot of dogs.

guidofatherof5 · 09-23-14, 06:13 AM

Tank got some sunshine and fresh air the other day. Hailee spent a few minutes with him. Tank only spent 10 minutes out though, he walked up to the back steps and wanted inside.

kwhitlock · 09-23-14, 05:37 PM

I would love to see the reaction from a lot of your neighbors or passerbies that see tank and your kids just hanging out in your lawn. Lol. Love the care you give him, you two are great!

guidofatherof5 · 09-23-14, 07:19 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by kwhitlock

I would love to see the reaction from a lot of your neighbors or passerbies that see tank and your kids just hanging out in your lawn. Lol. Love the care you give him, you two are great!

Thanks. This was my back yard and all the neighbors know Tank and love him. The last time I had him out front a guy on a bike almost crashed as he road by.

guidofatherof5 · 09-24-14, 08:35 PM

kwhitlock · 09-26-14, 12:51 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by guidofatherof5

Thanks. This was my back yard and all the neighbors know Tank and love him. The last time I had him out front a guy on a bike almost crashed as he road by.

Lmao that's good!

guidofatherof5 · 09-26-14, 09:43 AM

Great news! Tank has ended his month long fast. Last night I bought him a 5oz piece of fresh salmon, he loved it.

guidofatherof5 · 10-23-14, 06:00 PM

LiL Zap · 11-03-14, 08:30 PM

I've been waiting to see a video of Tank. He's really impressive looking and it's amazing to see a snapping turtle that docile. How did you obtain Tank again? I forgot.