How to Pick Up a Turtle

Turtles can make excellent pets for the home or classroom. There are several species of turtles, but the four most commonly kept as pets are box, mud, sliders, and painted. One of the joys of having a turtle for a pet is showing it off to your friends; just remember that turtles do not enjoy being picked up and handled. If you want to pick up your turtle, make sure you do so properly.

Instructions

    • 1

      Place both hands on the turtle, one on the turtle's left side and one on the right side, between the front and back legs.

    • 2

      Move your fingers and part of your palm under the turtle with your thumb gently pressing on the top shell. If the turtle starts to move or wriggle too much, just relax your hold and let the turtle get used to your hands.

    • 3

      Lift up your turtle. Some turtles are very good at kicking, clawing and biting to free themselves from your hands, so make sure to watch what your turtle is doing.