Reptile & Amphibian Forums

When I "pet" my snappers shell, she stretches way up on all four legs. It reminds me of a cat arching its back when it's petted.

Snappy doesn't bit or try to get away when I do this. Does she like this, does it mean she doesn't like it?
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0.1.0 snapping turtle
0.1.0 painted turtle
0.1.0 ornate box turtle
0.1.0 teddybear hamster
0.1.0 Australian shepard
3.2.0 children

That's a defense mechanism used to make themselves look bigger. They will usually tilt the shell towards the perceived danger for protection also. So, no, she doesn't like it but if you do it enough she may get used to it.
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Martin Whalin
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Quotes from guys named Carl:

"Science stops at the frontier of logic. Nature does not, she thrives on ground as yet untrodden by theory."
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-Carl Kauffeld

I agree that's a defense mechanism. I've only dealt with wild ones and that behavior means to get ready for a possible lightening fast snap. Remember snappers can bite back over their carapaces so be careful if you try to "get her use to" this handling.
GCTTS

My 9 year old female common snapper rarely exhibits this behaviour. So spend alot of time with your turtle. In all honestly, a snapper will never "like" you, they only like food...and thats about it.

Lol! Aren't we all "all about food"?

Ok,I'll stop "petting" her. She actually is very tame, and doesn't at all object to me picking her up so there is no reason for her to get used to it, and I don't want to irritate her.

Thanks for the answers!
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0.1.0 snapping turtle
0.1.0 painted turtle
0.1.0 ornate box turtle
0.1.0 teddybear hamster
0.1.0 Australian shepard
3.2.0 children