my turtle is biting!
Posted by Chris Canfield on March 28, 2006
Q: We got a turtle about a year ago and never had any problems with him biting. He came out of hibernation a few months ago and ALWAYS wants to eat eat eat! He's like a dog, always begging! We used to be able to place our hand in the water and he'd crawl right into it knowing he was going to be placed in his feeding bowl, now he's been starting to snap at our fingers and even bit me once, even though it didn't hurt, but why is he biting when he never did before? And is there any way to train him not to?
A: Sounds to me that your turtle is simply trying to make up for hibernation and the loss of its body fat - it's hungry. With that in mind then, I'd make sure to provide extra food for your turtle and once he/she has built back a fat reserve it should stop biting. You didn't mention what kind of turtle you have but if at all possible, provide as natural a food as possible. I know that pet stores have turtle food in containers but I have always been suspicious of these as adequate. Of course, it's always good to vary their diet so you're sure your animal gets proper nutrition. Best of luck with your turtle and let's hope it stops biting soon!
John Wiessinger ( March 29, 2006)