Growing Like a Weed - Page 3

Zoo Nanny · 01-23-13, 01:40 PM

That's amazing that he has remained so calm after coming of age. That says something about your love for this big guy and also shows the intellect of these primative guys. People always think I'm crazy when I say just how personable and intelligent tortoises and turtles are, you prove it!

guidofatherof5 · 01-24-13, 06:47 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Zoo Nanny

That's amazing that he has remained so calm after coming of age. That says something about your love for this big guy and also shows the intellect of these primative guys. People always think I'm crazy when I say just how personable and intelligent tortoises and turtles are, you prove it!

I think it's a combination of a couple things. One being Tank is an exceptional animal and the other being his environment. I lean more toward him as the main reason for this situation. Curious and interactive. Docile and intelligent make for a one of a kind turtle. We're blessed to have him in our family. He's content to have one of us stop by his water enclosure or when he's out and talk to him. He sits and listens with his out stretched neck. Never pulling in because he's uneasy about something or giving that turtle stare before they sample what's in front of them. I've never had a snapping turtle seek me out the way he does. He comes looking for me. He is my buddy.
With all that being said please know that I recognize what he is and what he is capable of doing. I take great care in reading his eyes and other cues for my safety and the safety of my children.
In the 3.5 years we've had Tank he has been non-aggressive/defensive. Even when he's hungry he looks and studies what he is doing. None of that blind biting that turtles are noted for.
Thanks to Tank I have learn much about snapping turtles and understand what a special animal they are.

guidofatherof5 · 01-25-13, 10:48 PM

Here's Tank trying to get some cuddle time with my oldest (Emmyjo) she was busy doing homework. Tank still thinks he's a pocket turtle. After that didn't work he came over the back of the couch. I was ready for him as he doesn't care if he falls or not.

infernalis · 01-25-13, 10:58 PM

awesome!!! Hi Tank... (waves)

shaunyboy · 01-26-13, 01:16 PM

great thread mate

what an amazing big beasty you have there

cheers shaun

GarterPython · 01-26-13, 01:29 PM

Tank is awesome.

guidofatherof5 · 01-28-13, 09:32 PM

This is one of those "good news" "bad news" threads.

The good news:
Tank is over 20 lbs

The bad news:
I have to buy a new scale. The one I have only goes up to 20 lbs.

infernalis · 01-28-13, 09:47 PM

what a big boy...

dinosaurdammit · 01-28-13, 10:06 PM

dawww i just want to give him a cuddle! please give him a little cuddle for me

guidofatherof5 · 01-29-13, 12:15 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by dinosaurdammit

dawww i just want to give him a cuddle! please give him a little cuddle for me

Cuddle given and appreciated.

puffinluffin · 01-29-13, 12:31 PM

Hes amazing. Wow.
He's grown a ton, will he get bigger, yet?

guidofatherof5 · 01-29-13, 10:11 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by puffinluffin

Hes amazing. Wow.
He's grown a ton, will he get bigger, yet?

Hoping he'll double in size over the next 5 years.

dinosaurdammit · 01-29-13, 10:15 PM

whats his skin like?
what does he feel like
does he have a smell?
Can you tell if he is content or happy?

him being so odd ive just got so many questions

guidofatherof5 · 01-30-13, 07:19 AM

Most of his skin is soft and bumpy. Top neck skin is rough like sandpaper.
I haven't notice much of a smell on him as a rule. I can tell you that snapping turtle poop is a mess and snapping turtle urine rates with skunk musk. His water is kept clean and treated. If I'm busy and don't notice he's gone to the bathroom he will let me know by coming out of the inclosure and waiting for me to change it. Then he'll go back in.
I think Tank is content/happy/satisfied most of the time. He stretches out in his water and isn't jumpy about us walking by or any of the hustle and bustle of a family of 6. He's not fearful of my dogs and they don't seem to pay him much mind other then moving when he wants by. During skin cleanings/massages he usually goes to sleep. He shows no signs of stress when being touched.

There are times he doesn't want to be messed with. Things like pulling his leg away from me if I'm trying to rub him down. During those times I bow to his wishes. I've learned a lot of his tells/body language and feel I can read him pretty well.
The other night he was looking out at me from his enclosure. I was on the floor working on my laptop. I motioned for him to come out to me and showed him his blanket. I patted the area right next to me. He came out straight to me and went under his blanket. He's an amazing turtle. Almost "dog-like" qualities. I would say Tank has adapted to this life and is doing very well. On average he gets a hundred times a day he could bite me and never does. He shows no signs of wanting to either. Even during feeding times he is careful. I offer my hand to him and he gives me this look like I'm stupid.

When I take him into a classroom he is the same calm, cool and collected turtle that he always is. He allows the kids to touch him and shows no signs of stress. If he does get tired of the whole thing he comes to me and climbs up on my lap. Then I know he's ready to go.
I only wish I had a place for him and I to swim. I would love to see his reaction to me in the water with him. I honestly feel there is some kind of bond between us. He trust me and seeks out my company and I think that is a pretty cool thing. He is my once in a lifetime turtle.

dinosaurdammit · 01-30-13, 09:24 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by guidofatherof5

Most of his skin is soft and bumpy. Top neck skin is rough like sandpaper.
I haven't notice much of a smell on him as a rule. I can tell you that snapping turtle poop is a mess and snapping turtle urine rates with skunk musk. His water is kept clean and treated. If I'm busy and don't notice he's gone to the bathroom he will let me know by coming out of the inclosure and waiting for me to change it. Then he'll go back in.
I think Tank is content/happy/satisfied most of the time. He stretches out in his water and isn't jumpy about us walking by or any of the hustle and bustle of a family of 6. He's not fearful of my dogs and they don't seem to pay him much mind other then moving when he wants by. During skin cleanings/massages he usually goes to sleep. He shows no signs of stress when being touched.

There are times he doesn't want to be messed with. Things like pulling his leg away from me if I'm trying to rub him down. During those times I bow to his wishes. I've learned a lot of his tells/body language and feel I can read him pretty well.
The other night he was looking out at me from his enclosure. I was on the floor working on my laptop. I motioned for him to come out to me and showed him his blanket. I patted the area right next to me. He came out straight to me and went under his blanket. He's an amazing turtle. Almost "dog-like" qualities. I would say Tank has adapted to this life and is doing very well. On average he gets a hundred times a day he could bite me and never does. He shows no signs of wanting to either. Even during feeding times he is careful. I offer my hand to him and he gives me this look like I'm stupid.

When I take him into a classroom he is the same calm, cool and collected turtle that he always is. He allows the kids to touch him and shows no signs of stress. If he does get tired of the whole thing he comes to me and climbs up on my lap. Then I know he's ready to go.
I only wish I had a place for him and I to swim. I would love to see his reaction to me in the water with him. I honestly feel there is some kind of bond between us. He trust me and seeks out my company and I think that is a pretty cool thing. He is my once in a lifetime turtle.

have you considered a large inflatable pool?