Reptilian Encounter

We are back in Cajun country to celebrate Thanksgiving with family.  Our last visit to the state of Louisiana was in 2008 when the entire clan traveled together sans Toddler S as she had not yet made her debut into the world.

After settling in today as much as we could with two sick girls, we received an invitation to feed turtles at a neighbor's wildlife and rescue sanctuary.  How could we decline?  Especially after G had just finished reading a passage on, you guessed it, reptiles.  What an opportunity to see them up close in their natural habitat. 

While G got a one-on-one brief about the differences between box and water turtles, how to tell the males from the females, and what sort of foods turtles eat, I made sure that Toddler S' role in this "expedition" was that of an observer and not a handler.  Turtles are carriers of  Salmonella.  This germ can not only make you sick, but it can also be deadly to children 5 years or younger or anyone with a weakened immune system.  Alas, turtles are really not the perfect pet for a young child.  Here's a link to the CDC for more information.  How Safe are Turtle Pets



Water Turtle Eating Meat









 
 

Toddler S Admiring Flowers











G's Baby Turtle







Turtle Clubhouse



Toddler S Toddling



Box Turtle Hiding