Comparing Intelligence: Brazilian vs. Grass Turtles
The Brazilian turtle is widely recognized as one of the most intelligent turtle species, surpassing the common pond turtle in intelligence. During their care, if the keeper pays attention to feeding them at regular times and places, and spends quality time interacting with them, these turtles can quickly become familiar with their owner and develop a close bond. They possess a certain level of spirit and can be quite endearing. To delve deeper into the fascinating world of Brazilian turtles, read on.
Why Are Brazilian Turtles Considered Smarter?
Compared to most other turtle species, Brazilian turtles exhibit higher intelligence, making them smarter than the common pond turtle. This intelligence is evident in their ability to recognize their owners, engage in interactive behavior, and even show a willingness to approach humans. After a period of care, Brazilian turtles can remember their owners, becoming accustomed to their voices and scents. When their owner approaches, they eagerly come closer, and some bolder individuals may even interact with them. Even when their heads or limbs are touched, they do not shrink away in fear. However, if a stranger approaches, they become very fearful, and there's a likelihood that they may become aggressive if touched.
When compared to pond turtles, Brazilian turtles have a stronger sense of reaction, learning, and memory. Both species are reflexive animals with strong reaction abilities, but Brazilian turtles have a quicker response time and are more sensitive to changes in their environment. They also have a strong learning ability, as they can observe new things and use their surroundings to create new behaviors. Moreover, Brazilian turtles have a relatively strong memory, allowing them to remember things more quickly and form conditioned reflexes faster than pond turtles, which require repeated exposure over a longer period.
How to Train Brazilian Turtles
The primary goal of training Brazilian turtles is to ensure they recognize and feel comfortable with their owner. The most effective way to achieve this is for the owner to feed them personally, as this is the quickest way to foster a bond. It's best to start this training when they are between 2 to 3 months old, as they are most lively and curious about their surroundings during this time, making training easier. In the initial stages, the owner can place food near them and watch as they eat it, while continuously communicating with them to get them accustomed to their voice and scent. Once the Brazilian turtles no longer fear their owner's presence, they can attempt to use their favorite food to lure them closer, but care must be taken to avoid being bitten. If the turtles show bold behavior, the owner can gently stroke their heads, controlling the duration of the touch. Even if the turtles do not resist, the owner should not stroke them for too long at first, and the frequency of stroking should be gradually increased. Once the turtles accept this feeding method, they will become particularly excited each time their owner approaches, indicating that they have formed a bond. They will follow their owner closely, demonstrating a remarkable level of intelligence and attachment.
While Brazilian turtles are known for their intelligence, owners must also engage in scientific training to fully harness their potential.
