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Old 02-22-14, 09:48 PM   #1
guidofatherof5
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Re: Growing Like a Weed

Today, we were doing some reorganizing around the human part of the Ranch. My son (Kale) was in the attic and my oldest (Emmy) was on the ladder handing him things. She was at the top of a 5ft ladder when Tank came out to see what was going on. He looked up the ladder and saw him mom (Emmy). This was very interesting to him and he reached up toward her. He recognizes Emmy and was very curious as to why she was up on the ceiling. Why would he care? Why show any interest at all?
A short time later I walked into the kitchen as Tank was outside the bathroom door. He turned his head to look at me, then turned his body and walked to me. I sat down on the floor and he climbed up on my lap and just sat there. Why would he do that? I hope it’s because in us he feels comfort with our company. I hope he feels more secure being in close contact with us. He certainly likes to get involved in all the goings-on around the house.
Much earlier in the day he came to me while I was on the floor with my laptop. He put his front legs across my arm and relaxed. While I talked to him I noticed some gunk under his beak in corner of his mouth. I reached up and cradled his head with one hand and used my fingernail to remove the stuff. It took 3 tries to get the job done and Tank never offered any resistance. He’s so tolerate of me. A 30 pound snapping turtle could do some real damage if he wanted to.
Instead, I have Tank. We are so lucky.
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Old 02-22-14, 10:11 PM   #2
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Re: Growing Like a Weed

Honestly, I think reptiles probably have a lot more intelligence, curiosity and personality than we've yet discovered. Being mammals, it's going to be difficult for us to see things from the reptilian perspective though.
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Old 02-26-14, 06:18 AM   #3
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Re: Growing Like a Weed

I had me one hungry turtle last night. Every time we made eye contact he gave me the "feed me, now" face and actions. Many times we were face to face as I explained his food was cooking(thawing). This hungry turtle had every opportunity to grab my face but instead patiently listen to me. None of that blind biting many turtles are noted for.
Then came the actual food time. I gave him his first piece which was the smallest, it was quickly swallowed and he reach for more. I put my hand in front of his face and showed him it was empty. Rather then just grabbing me he relaxed and waited for a food offering. Not a typical response from a hungry snapping turtle. Then again he's not a typical snapping turtle.
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Old 02-26-14, 11:02 PM   #4
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Re: Growing Like a Weed

Quite an impressive relationship you have. I'm new to the forums and just read your entire thread. I can tell you take better care of Tank than most people do their own children lol. Keep it up man you're pretty awesome.
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Old 02-27-14, 12:29 PM   #5
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Re: Growing Like a Weed

Tank is a unique turtle for sure!
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Old 02-28-14, 06:42 AM   #6
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Re: Growing Like a Weed

Last night I learned that Tank recognizes what an open hand means even under water. I was glad.
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Old 03-04-14, 10:12 PM   #7
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Re: Growing Like a Weed

This thread is truly a hidden gem on this site. I love it so much man. I want to meet Tank now lol.
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Old 03-05-14, 07:23 AM   #8
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Re: Growing Like a Weed

Quote:
Originally Posted by LiL Zap View Post
This thread is truly a hidden gem on this site. I love it so much man. I want to meet Tank now lol.

Thanks. Tank would be glad to meet you.
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Old 04-21-14, 12:17 PM   #9
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Re: Growing Like a Weed

Tank continues to grow and is over 31 pounds now. He continues to do meet and greets with the public. A couple weeks ago he visited 4 classrooms at a local school and did a great job.
Our local library is in the process of scheduling a presentation with Tank. The best part is I don't have to pay the room rental fee or do any advertising. Since it's a library sponsored event they take care of everything.
I want to get Tank as much exposure as possible to help break the stereotype that these are aggressive, attacking creatures.
I believe them to be a very intelligent reptiles and docile in the right situation.
Tank is a member of our family and fits in perfectly.
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Old 04-21-14, 07:40 PM   #10
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Re: Growing Like a Weed

June 28th Tank will be at our local library for a presentation.
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Old 04-21-14, 07:52 PM   #11
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Re: Growing Like a Weed

That's so cool, I've always heard alligator snapping turtles were mean?
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Old 04-21-14, 07:59 PM   #12
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Re: Growing Like a Weed

I think a better word for all snapping turtles would be
"defensive"
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Old 04-21-14, 08:06 PM   #13
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Re: Growing Like a Weed

Quote:
Originally Posted by guidofatherof5 View Post
I think a better word for all snapping turtles would be
"defensive"
Must be pretty rare to have such a laid back one then?
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Old 04-22-14, 06:24 AM   #14
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Re: Growing Like a Weed

I think you are right but I've heard of others with snapping turtles in their families much like tank.
I'm so happy that he trusts us the way he does. He knows we won't hurt him and we feel the same way. We do take precaution in the event of a bite but we certainly don't jump away from him every time he's near. Him and I are face-to-face many times a day. Most often those incidents are lead by him. I've learn much about snapping turtle behavior from Tank. The saying "the eyes are a window to the soul" really rings true with Tank. Reading his eyes and body position tells you him intent/emotion at that moment. I have a lot more to learn and only hope Tank will keep teaching me.
He's a remarkable turtle and buddy.
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Old 04-22-14, 06:53 PM   #15
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Re: Growing Like a Weed

Do you have a YouTube channel or anything like that? I would love to see Tank in action!
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