Red Eared Sliders - getting comfortable in a new home....?

So far things are going well with my new turtles. They are all very small still (half dollar sized). One of them seems to be less scared of me but 2 of them run into the water when anyone enters the room. I have had them less than a month. I have just been giving them their space and not handling them - should I handle them more?????

Red Eared Sliders - getting comfortable in a new home....?
Turtles DONT like to be handled. It frightens them and they will never get "learn to like it" they will learn to tolerate it. If they willingly climb in to your hand then handle them all you want. But if you have to chase them around the tank then leave them alone. It can really stress them and they dont like it. Don't handle unless you have to (i.e cleaning them, cleaning the tank, moving the tank. etc.) The more you handle doesn't mean they will like it. They aren't like baby kittens. They tolerate it and some will trust you but its best not to stress them. They are scared of people. I dont care what anybody says. They Shouldn't be handled all the time. A lot of general care websites will also tell you this. So keep on just letting them have their space. If you want them to be less afraid. Try hand feeding them BE CAREFUL they do bite. And its not always a good Idea either. they will knwo that hand means food and anytime you try to do something in their tank they will try to eat you.
Reply:if you want to handle them in the future, then I would say yes, start handling them, that way they get used to it
Reply:Since there still young, its a good Idea to handle them so they'll get used to you and other humans, but be sure to wash your hands before and after you handle them. I assume you have three correct? Make sure they have enough room and food. If there sick they may become lethargic. If you got them from a, say, mall, its likely they may have gotten a disease because of where the turtles are kept as ours did.





As they see your face more often, they'll probably get more used to you. Try looking at them from afar and see how they act if you can. If they don't seem to move much or act sick, you should take them to a vet.



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