Many people often feel that keeping turtles is “unaffectionate,” but it’s just that their way of expressing themselves is different. Compared to cats and dogs, they are quieter and more restrained, so you might not have noticed it.
If you notice your turtle making these small gestures, then congratulations! It means it has started to trust and like you!
Actively “Rushing” Towards You
When they hear your footsteps or see you approaching, they will paddle desperately, pressing against the tank wall to get closer to you.
For a slow-moving turtle, this is the equivalent of a “100-meter dash” of enthusiasm, which shows they really like you!
Willing to Be Touched
When you reach out your hand, it doesn’t immediately retract into its shell. Instead, it stretches out its neck and rubs against your hand. This is a way for a turtle to show affection, and it signifies that it trusts you very much.
Note: You can approach it slowly. Don’t grab it suddenly, and it will become more and more affectionate.
Chasing You for Food
When you hold food, it will swim over immediately, take it gently, and not bite randomly. This is a kind of “good behavior” it only shows to you. If someone else tries to feed it, it might be “aloof” and refuse to eat.
Note: Sometimes, hand-feeding can increase interaction with your turtle, but remember to pay attention to hygiene.
Basking Peacefully Beside You
When it’s basking, it will intentionally crawl to a spot near your hand, spread its limbs out, and relax. For a highly vigilant turtle, being able to “lie flat” peacefully beside you is a sign of its trust in you.
It’s important to note here that you shouldn’t startle it. Just let it bask peacefully beside you.
Staring at You Like a “Little Tag-Along”
It follows you wherever you go, even resting against the glass to look at you. Don’t think it’s just curious; it’s actually watching you. Turtles have good eyesight and can recognize familiar human silhouettes.
Being More Active in Front of You
It might seem sluggish normally, but the moment it sees you, it gets excited and starts swimming, splashing water, and spinning around. This isn’t random movement; it’s overjoyed to see you, just like a child seeing their mother.
Resting Quietly Near You
Some turtles will quietly approach you and stay still, just wanting to “share the same frame.” This is a way for a turtle to express its affection, treating you as its safe zone.
Although turtles don’t show affection with sounds like cats and dogs do, they have their own quiet and unique ways of expressing emotions. If, while keeping a turtle, you find it actively approaching you, staring at you, or basking beside you, that is a sign of its trust and affection for you.
Original article by 搬运工, if reproduced, please cite the source: https://www.kaipet.com/en/signs-turtle-likes-7-signals-trusts
Comments(2)
These insights really change how I view turtle affection! What’s the most surprising sign you’ve observed in your own turtle?
@CriticX：We’re delighted you found these insights valuable! It’s truly fascinating how turtles express affection. Many of our community members are often surprised by the ‘actively rushing towards you’ signal. Thanks for sharing your thoughts!