Why you shouldn't pick up a turtle?

In addition, exceptionally long necks enable Snappers and Softshells to reach around and deliver painful bites if picked up by the sides of the shell like other turtles. For these reasons it is recommended that only experienced handlers ever attempt to lift Snapping Turtles or Softshells clear of the ground.
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Why should you never pick up a turtle?

Aside from possibly injuring the shell, it can be stressful on the turtle. DON'T hold a turtle with a soft shell (young turtles, species of turtles with naturally soft shells, turtles with diseases that make their shell soft) by the back edge of the shell. It can cause permanent damage.
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Is it safe to pick up a turtle?

Some turtles may be frightened and try to bite. Do not pick them up by the tail! This could seriously injure the turtle. You can safely help a snapping turtle in the road by using a car mat or by carefully holding them at the back of the shell and not the sides.
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Is it bad to hold your pet turtle?

The most common germ spread from turtles is called Salmonella. People can get Salmonella by coming in contact with turtles or their habitats. Small turtles are especially a problem because kids are more likely to put these animals in their mouths, kiss them, and not wash their hands after handling them.
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Do turtles like being picked up?

Turtles are arguably the cutest of all of the reptiles. Because of this, they are often desirable pets. However, turtles don't really enjoy being handled and petted the same way other domestic animals do. This makes petting them a little trickier.
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Common Turtle Care MISTAKES and how to avoid them! (before you buy a turtle watch this)

What happens if you pick a turtle up and move it?

Please be advised that many turtles empty their bladder when lifted off the ground, so be careful not to drop them if they should suddenly expel water. Maintain Direction of Travel. Always move turtles in the same direction they were traveling in when encountered.
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Is it OK to touch turtles?

Look, Don't Touch

Attempting to closely approach or touch marine animals, like otters, seals, dolphins, sea turtles, or manta rays could seriously injure them, cause them to flee, or evoke aggressive behavior, using up the precious energy they need to perform basic life activities.
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Do turtles always carry Salmonella?

All reptiles, including turtles, shed Salmonella, much like humans shed skin cells. Human skin cells are harmless; Salmonella bacteria and the salmonellosis disease that it causes, are not harmless. Indeed, it can be deadly.
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What are the disadvantages of having a pet turtle?

Turtles are often marketed as low-maintenance pets, but the truth is that they need special care and a lot of room to grow. Turtles will not survive in a small dish with a plastic palm tree. They need the right lighting, temperature and water filtration system.
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Is having turtle as pet a bad luck?

Keeping a turtle happy and healthy is always good luck.
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Can I cuddle my pet turtle?

Do not kiss or cuddle your pet turtle, also do not eat or drink around it. Make sure to keep the turtle out of areas that you eat or drink in.
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What happens if you accidentally catch a turtle?

If you hook a SEA TURTLE, immediately call the 24-hour hotline at 1-877-942-5343 and follow response team instructions. If you cannot reach a response team, follow these guidelines to reduce injuries: 1) If possible, use a net or lift by the shell to bring the turtle on pier or land. Do NOT lift by hook or line.
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Why is it bad to move a turtle?

Don't relocate turtles to new areas, even if you think their current location is odd (unless it is obviously hazardous, such as a busy parking lot). Moving them to an unfamiliar location can subject them to foreign diseases and parasites that they lack a natural immunity to, so that should be avoided.
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Why turtles should not be pets?

Captive turtles often do not survive being released into the wild and released pet turtles may introduce diseases into wild populations, especially if they were kept in a home with other animals. To protect turtles, the law prohibits the removal of some species from the wild.
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Is it okay to pick up a wild turtle?

Handling turtles more than necessary to get them safely across the road can disrupt their normal behavior. Only pick up the turtle for as long as is needed to get it to safety. Handle turtles gently. When you pick a turtle up, you should grasp it gently along its shell near the edge or midpoint of its body.
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Is it OK to hold your pet turtle?

Larger turtles should be picked up with two hands, holding them by their shell. Some turtle species may try to bite so ensure that you keep your hands away from the head to prevent being bitten. Sales of small turtles are prohibited by law except for educational purposes when they are under 4 inches in length.
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Can turtles like their owners?

Most turtles, though, are friendly, but not needy. They may enjoy seeing people and even learn to recognize their parents, but they do not require human interaction or constant attention the way a dog does.
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Do turtles love being pet?

Some turtles and tortoises appear to enjoy having their back scratched, and they certainly enjoy treats. Apart from the back scratching perhaps, and some large tortoises seeming to like having their neck scratched, they aren't really fond of being touched, though. Being picked up or cuddled isn't their thing.
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Can touching a turtle make you sick?

If, after touching or handling an amphibian or reptile, you touch your hands to your mouth without thoroughly washing them first, you can infect yourself with Salmonella. The germs can also get on cages, aquariums, terrariums, the water reptiles and amphibians live or swim in and other containers that house them.
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Can you get E. coli from turtles?

These diseases are caused by germs, including Salmonella, E. coli, and Campylobacter bacteria. These germs can cause illness in your stomach and intestines, with symptoms like diarrhea, or stomach cramps. The CDC recommends that households with young children do not keep turtles or other reptiles as pets.
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Does a turtle bite?

Yes, however, the severity of the bite depends a lot on the size and species of the tortoise or turtle. Do they only bite when they are hungry/curious? No, they can bite if they feel threatened. Some species are more defensive than others.
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Why is it illegal to touch turtles?

Not only does touching turtles cause them stress, but the bacteria on your hands can actually be harmful to turtles. Not to mention, it's illegal to touch or harass a sea turtle in a lot of places!
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Is it OK to kiss a turtle?

Adults should make sure young children are washing their hands properly,” the CDC added. “Don't kiss or snuggle your turtle, and don't eat or drink around it,” officials warn. “This can spread Salmonella germs to your mouth and make you sick.
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How to tell if a turtle has Salmonella?

There is no way to tell if your reptile has Salmonella just by looking at it. Fecal samples need to be examined by a veterinarian to make this determination.
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