research project - please repsond

[JB.turtle]

My name is Julia, I am a student at Marryatville High School. As part of our curriculum we must conduct a research project on a topic of our choice. My chosen topic is “How to ethically care for your Short-Neck Freshwater Turtle”.

If you have time please answer the questions below.

Q1. What are some methods you employ that ensure your turtles mental health is maintained?
Q2. Do your turtles enjoy interaction?
Q3. What are some things that surprised you when you got your turtle?
Q4. Do you notice any changes in you turtle if they are not properly stimulated i.e. exercise or play?
Q5. Why did you decide to get a turtle?

Thank you.

 

[ZEROPILOT]

I think you're going to find that turtles (and tortoises) don't seek entertainment.
In fact, most human interaction is very stressful to them.
By keeping them warm and well fed. Keeping the water clean and providing them the largest area to live that we can, we've met their needs.
Turtles and tortoises don't make friends or want to cuddle like, say, a puppy.
In fact, if you could make them the perfect world, they'd be 100% solitary. Without human contact and without any other turtles, except for mating.
I keep 5 tortoises. In two large, outdoor pens.
I got my first two together from someone I worked with who was an idiot and had just about killed them.
Since then, I've gotten used to having them around.
I have no turtles.
@Markw84 comes to my mind when it comes to turtles.
He actually has some zoo quality set ups.
With any luck, hopefully he'll see this tag.
Best of luck with your project.
It may turn out differently than you expected