I'm literally hurt. Rosita bit me! The tip of my finger is still numb after that chomp. I was sitting outside reading while she was free to roam in the backyard. When it was time to go inside, I picked her up and saw several pieces of grass on her face. As I picked them off, she opened her mouth like she wanted to bite me. I thought it was just her warning sign -- like when I spritz water to increase humidity and she tucks her head in and opens her mouth to indicate that she doesn't like getting wet. But no, she reached out, bit down hard, and held on for a couple of seconds on the flesh of my finger. I can't believe it. The act seemed so intentional that my feelings are hurt. I never thought she was biting at me, I figured it was only the food in my grasp that she was interested in. Should she be punished? Can tortoises be disciplined and learn to change their behavior?
Maybe it wasn't on purpose...? Maybe she does still love me?
1 comment:
Ouch! I'm Deb from Hawaii and have been enjoying your posts for some time now. (Also with Redfoot groups on Yahoo.)
My redfoot, Santana, has bitten me a few times and it hurts! It usually happens when I'm hand feeding him and don't get my fingers out of the way fast enough. He's a little piggy! He has also taken bites at my painted toes. The first time he bit me my reaction was to shake him off and I accidently flung him. Now he's grown and too heavy.
I don't think it was intentional, he does come "running" when he sees me wave food in front of him. Too cute!
Funny when you said "a brain the size of a pinhead." I swear...my box turtle is smarter than my redfoot, but I absolutely love em both! Aloha!
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