Reptile & Amphibian Forums

I would like to challenge all of us to behave a little more "mannerly". I do include myself in the "us".

It's very frustrating to watch others use passive aggressive means to attack others under the guise of "information". (Actually, it's not really that passive!) I don't think it's right, I don't think it's mannerly, I don't think it shows maturity and I don't think it shows character. Then those of us who get "riled" by that behavior react and post messages in order to convey our message of disapproval.

All of it is unfair to those monitoring this forum. They have to read all the posts carefully to decide which ones to expel.

Why can't people just express themselves without someone having to "correct" the information they're sharing? It's aggressive to do that, it really is. If a turtle is in imminent danger due to the info they shared, then yes, it should politely but immediately be corrected, but if it's being corrected in order to slam someone, that's just wrong.

I, for one, can't just sit by and watch that happen. People should be stopped from being aggressive, esp when it's done underhandedly. If someone is going to be aggressive, then come right out and be aggressive. Don't do it deceptively.

Can we try to stop all of that and focus on the information?? Stop "correcting" each other's posts and focus on what YOU want to share instead of really wanting to slam the other person through your post?

It always seems that there's one or two troublemakers on the forums. Those that want a little more attention. Frustrating, but I guess that's the way it will always be. I'd like to think we can turn this around ~ but I know it's unlikely. The need for attention can be really strong.

If posts are deleted, then the person who was the original troublemaker should have their posts deleted as well. Fair is fair.

We either all have to stop this or probably none of us will. Let's make it a little less frustrating for the monitors and keep it clean! At least TRY it for a week and see what happens. Hmmmmmmm, who will fall off the wagon first??

Wise words..... I agree.
Ric

Sounds perfectly fair to me.

So, what kind of turtles do you have? Most folks who post on here keep some sort of No. Am. box turtle or another, not too many asian box turtle keepers.
We only have easterns, rescued from a construction site a few miles from our home here in central VA. We rescued them more for 'humanitarian' reasons than from a desire to keep any reptile pets. We aren't involved in the pet trade in any way, either: I only mention this because I do peiodically relay updates on how many eggs have been laid or have hatched, and wish to avoid being e-mailed off-list about what our plans a re for them.
Look forward to getting acquainted.
Regards,
Stephanie

Actually, we don't have any turtles yet. My son would like one, but I'm trying to do research before any decision is made about a turtle or anything else. I've been looking at various forums trying to get a feel for care, do's and don't's, ethical issues, etc. I certainly don't want to take one out of the wild or one that was taken out of the wild and sold at a store. I've been learning that seems to happen a lot. Very sad. Not sure what to do. I'm gathering that box turtles are tough to keep. I want to make sure whatever we do get, we can keep alive and watch it thrive!

I'll be the first to admit I know "ZERO" about turtles, that's why this forum has been so fascinating. You guys are so knowledgable. I had NO IDEA turtles had such personalities!

You are to be MOST highly commended for wanting to finding out as much as you can about them BEFORE acquiring one.
Based on our own experiences here, I can say that they are easier (but not EASY) to care for when their needs are met: this means paying close attention to husbandry issues such as feeding, housing, hibernation, etc.
Another item for you to consider is veterinary care, should the need arise: would there be a herp vet nearby to take your pet to? Herp vets tend to charge more for office visits: ours charges $15 MORE for a visit than he charges for our dogs and cats.
Also, I'm a firm believer in keeping them outdoors of you live in their natural range: really this actually pays off because the mother nature does the 'heavy lifting' for you, by providing the sunlight and humidity. In the time that I've been posting on this forum, most feedback on outdoor vs indoor has been in favor of outdoor as being better overall.
They most certainly do have individual 'personalities' too, or certainly their own quirks: we've got some distinctive characters in our group here. One of ours seems to enjoy climbing, and does a very respectable suction-cup Garfield impersonation.
Box turtle hatchlings (CB usually) are most readily available on a seasonal basis, typically starting in August, when you'll see increases numbers being listed in the classifieds here and elsewhere.
If you're looking for an adult, adopting a turtle from a herp rescue in your area could be an option for you.
Apologies is any of this is old news: just offering suggestions and hints based on personal experience.
Welcome to the forum
Regards
Stephanie

A Herp Vet????? Oops . . . didn't even THINK about that! Very, very good point. Not sure if we even have one around here. I'll have to do some checking on that. As nervous as I get about health issues, I'll need to make sure we do have one or I'd better consider another dog!! I'll find out today. Anything in particular I need to ask to make sure they really are specialized in this field?

You would want to ascertain that they do indeed have experience with box turtles in particular. It's not out of the ordinary find that a herp vet has far more hands-on experience with, say, iguanas, than with box turtles (or vice versa, of course), simply because they have more clients with that kind of animal.
We were fortunate in that our 'regular' vet is also a herp vet with experience with box turtles.
It definitely helps to have some resources lined up before getting started, that way you can avoid some of those 'what do I do now?' moments.
You can probably get help finding one through a local or regional herp society, or look on anapsid.org. or herp vet connection (not sure if its a dot com or dot org).
Other posters may offer other suggestions: that's all that comes to mind for now.
Good luck
Stephanie

Well, it's about time! Don't like to be in the middle of anger. Ok, the punishment must fit. So, anybody who falls off the wagon must donate a boxie to me. That's the punishment. 2nd offense - 2 turtles, 3rd offense - 3 turtles. Sound fair? If I fall off the wagon.... Nah, that won't happen.

Hmmm....would you insist on adults or hatchlings?
Just kidding.
Stephanie

Nah that would be too lenient.
I think one should have to donate the rare Terrapene Cow that nurses box turtles.
Ric

Ummmmmmmmm . . . . I don't have a turtle, would you take a dog?? (REALLY kidding!)

Now, this is a board the way it was meant to be. It was really a tough time feeling & hearing all the negativity and it was such a turn off. I just like to talk about boxies. Thanks to all in rising up to a nicer standard. Hope everyone will now enjoy the board and help others learn about boxies. By the way, AliS, Welcome aboard.

Thanks. I agree. When I listen to some of the people on here who are obviously so intellegent and knowledgable ~ I'm in awe. I certainly wouldn't want to be in a debate with them!! So to see them picking at each other seemed odd. They are the BRIGHT ones ~ they should be a team. Most of us on here don't know THAT much about boxies. I probably know the LEAST ~ we can LEARN so much from those few who KNOW so much. I hope it continues. When anger flairs, people stop learning. And those who lose out the most are really the turtles because then we're not getting the info we need to best care for them. I'd really like to see those who know the most (and you KNOW WHO YOU ARE) really embrace each other's knowledge and ideas. This is such an active forum, I'd hate to see those who need the info leave because it's too frustrating.

I applaude ALL OF YOU who took the challenge! (And I for one apologize for my part in slams.) I really do hope it continues. And if any of us start to slip off the wagon, hopefully we'll be reminded to crawl back on!

{{GROUP HUGS}} ~ Okay ~ a little too far, huh???

i have a nice little temper and i let it get away from me sometimes-but i will wipe the slate and forget as long as it is mutual. for future note-just to clear things up before they occur-every pic i post will be of an animal that is not for sale or that has been sold-i will not play cheap advertiser. anyways-i will call truce to all but i want it to go for everyone! lets keep this forum clean and clear of telling people that what they think they know is wrong-even if you think it is-and rather add on to information presented. there are ways around confrontation. anyways-figured i owed it to the forum to participate in the truce. take it easy
trey
oh-delete my name number and address off of your "to kill list" if you would please

Yeah ~ to be honest, putting your name, address and phone number on a forum where there could be thousands of people reading, probably isn't really wise. You see people do it now and then, and most people reading these posts are perfectly safe, but occasionally you run across a real "weirdo", "psycho", whatever. You don't want anyone like that to get a hold of your name, address or phone. I tend to be a little on the cautious side, but you really don't know who might be reading (but not posting). You'll be just fine, but for the future, I'd simply encourage you to at least think twice before putting your address or home phone on it. (cell maybe wouldn't be as bad as they can't really get info with a cell number yet). But like I said, I error on the side of caution when it comes to personal info online esp on forums,etc. where emotions run high.

Just a gentle suggestion . . .

man-if someone read that and feels that they need to pay me a visit-i have no problem with that. i was somewhat expecting calls on my phone though!-didnt get a single one-o well. take her easy-
Trey

Well said! Thank you.