Growing Like a Weed - Page 8

guidofatherof5 · 06-30-13, 07:40 PM

I just spent the last 20 minutes scrubbing Tank's backside. While I rubbed and scratched the area with my fingernails Tank fell asleep. In the wild they will find a submerged rock or log to do the job. The dead skin was floating everywhere. It must have felt pretty good to the big man as he never opened his eyes until I quit. Then he gave me a look like "why'd you stop".
I have a good friend who also works with/rescues snappers. He has one that spins his backside around when he sees the toilet brush he uses for scrubbing. The turtle swims backward to get the service done. The only difference is this turtle also sizes you up for a bite if you're not careful. He's very territorial.
Tank on the other hand shares his territory with me and my family.
From time to time I wish someone would do a feature on Tank but I can also see it being twisted into something it isn't. The real story is fascinating but they would have to sensationalize it for the audience. I've shared Tank's story on only 2 forums (this one and Thamnophis.com)

Lankyrob · 07-01-13, 03:53 AM

Write a book, in your own words the story cant be twisted

smy_749 · 07-01-13, 07:12 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Lankyrob

Write a book, in your own words the story cant be twisted

Until they make an action movie out of it lol

guidofatherof5 · 07-08-13, 10:49 AM

Here is a Tank photo when he first arrived. Little did we know we had such a special turtle. Four years later he has grown a lot.

marvelfreak · 07-08-13, 08:29 PM

Holy cow Batman that guy is huge . lol
Very nice and healthy looking.

guidofatherof5 · 07-08-13, 09:07 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by marvelfreak

Holy cow Batman that guy is huge . lol
Very nice and healthy looking.

He is the most docile and interactive turtle I've ever had. He actually comes looking for me. We hangout all the time. Nice having a buddy again. Had to put my Ally dog down a few years back. Tank has a lot of dog qualities.

guidofatherof5 · 07-14-13, 08:41 PM

Thanks to my boy Tank I've learned an interesting fact about snapping turtles.
When Tank was younger/smaller he spent many hours out of the water. I always felt having him sleep outside the water would be better for him as he wouldn't have to wake under the water and reach up to take another breath.
I've since learned that Tank sleeps with his neck stretched out and nose out of the water. It's an automated function, no waking up needed. These are such a fascinating animal.

guidofatherof5 · 07-16-13, 05:57 AM

Worked with Tank (Chelydra sepentina - Common Snapping Turtle) today. Gave him a foot message and he went to sleep during it. Later, I went in and fed him some of his trout chow. If I tossed a small handful of them in the water, he would strikes at them. Lightning fast strikes. Water splashing and a lot of noise.
If I put my hand very near the water(just in front and above his head) and let them roll out into the water he takes the pellets gently barely breaking the water. I can only think he doesn't want to bite me and makes a conscious effort not to. I think this is significant being these turtle have such a bad reputation. The more I work with Tank the more I see an intelligent, non-aggressive animal. He is so curious about what goes on in the house. He has to check things out if he doesn't recognize what someone is holding or if it's someone new to the house.

guidofatherof5 · 07-18-13, 01:46 PM

How observant is Tank (Common Snapping Turtle - Chelydra Serpentina) you ask. Well, let me tell you. He was taking a nap on the bathroom floor. I went in and cut my hair using the shortest setting with a pair of clippers. Nothing unusual as I keep it(what's left of it) very short all the time but over the last 2 months I had let it grow. When I got done I looked at Tank. He gave my head a hard stare. I laid down on the floor and showed him my head. He reached out and touched it with his nose. I guess he approved.
Such a funny turtle.

guidofatherof5 · 07-25-13, 06:39 PM

He might be a snapping turtle but I think my Tank is one handsome boy.
Here he is resting on his cedar pillow after a nap.
This is a big dog pillow but it won't be long before he out grows it.

infernalis · 07-25-13, 06:48 PM

Tank is a one of a kind Steve...

guidofatherof5 · 07-29-13, 09:51 AM

I love working with Tank (24 lb, Chelydra serpentina - Common Snapping Turtle) Defensive behavior just isn't part of his personality. I'm sure it could be if it were needed but his life doesn't require it now. After giving him a rub down this morning he turn and stretched his neck out towards my face. He rested his head against my nose. After a minute he turned away. Why did he do it? I don't know but I hope it made him feel safe/secure/loved. It sure made me feel good. I guess in the end that's all that matters. Thanks Tank.

Zoo Nanny · 07-29-13, 09:55 AM

You have some of the most amazing experiences with Tank, makes me envious. I really enjoy reading your updates about Tank and especially enjoy seeing pictures of him.

guidofatherof5 · 07-29-13, 07:23 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Zoo Nanny

You have some of the most amazing experiences with Tank, makes me envious. I really enjoy reading your updates about Tank and especially enjoy seeing pictures of him.

Thank you for your kind words. He is a special turtle.

guidofatherof5 · 07-30-13, 10:05 AM

Tank got up the morning and thought he needed some under the front rug time. I checked on him throughout the morning and he was never asleep. He likes to get under things and look out.
He's 24 pounds of fun. I was holding him this morning and our house guest came up to him. Tank was so curious about this new person in the house. He reached out and smelled her hand. After that he was fine.