December 20, 2011

A Turtle For The Holidays. (Or Just For The Afternoon.)

Some of The Farmchildren's friends have given them a turtle out of their dam.  It is not a permanent pet, more "on loan" for a little while.  It is what we would call a long-necked turtle.  I think in the Eastern States it is sometimes called a snake neck turtle.  It does look very snake-like from the neck up.  We are going to look at it for the afternoon and return it to the dam this evening.

I must admit the shape of its neck makes me feel a bit eek as I am not a reptile fan really. Having said that, Farmgirl has literally sat outside and watched the turtle swim around its trough all afternoon and so it has provided lots of school holiday entertainment.  Farmboy was also interested but did get bored after the first hour or so of watching!!

Long-Necked Turtle With Eeky Snakey Neck

These turtles are often found in dams and creeks in our area and can get quite big.  They will also eat down the yabby population in a dam and so many farmers are not huge fans.  It's definitely a prehistoric looking animal, that's for sure.  It's a more welcome reptile than the snake we found in the garden on Sunday afternoon anyway.

So - how's your day going?  Any random reptile visits?

13 comments:

Makeminemidcentury said...

I'm a massive advocate of the blue tongue lizard.

That neck is a bit ET-ish. Yes?

A Farmer's Wife said...

MMMC - Very ETish. Just odd really plus it moves in a very snake-like way (which I shouldn't be that surprised about really...)

Sydney Shop Girl said...

This post made me smile!

No reptiles here, humans with reptile attributes though, that's another story...

SSG xxx

Sydney Shop Girl blog

A Farmer's Wife said...

SSG - Mmmm, think I would prefer the turtle. Eeky snakey neck and all.

Lisa @ Simply Me said...

Hooray for free and unplanned school holiday entertainment. We recently went to the Canberra Reptile Park, and it smelt pretty bad in there, so I think the turtle is better!

Mummaducka said...

Yes I'd rather a turtle to a snake any day!

Kindred Spirits said...

Oh wow I am so happy to have found you! We dream of the country life and it looks as though you would highly recommended it. Your house looks so beautiful, thanks for sharing, Belinda

A Farmer's Wife said...

Lisa - the turtle is actually pretty stinky!

Mummaducka - not a fan of the snake sighting. Also not a fan of the fact that it was so close to the house (right near laundry door) and got away so now I don't know where it is!

Belinda - Thanks for your lovely comment. I left a message on your blog for you.

Renee said...

Oh I'm with you. That neck looks way to snake-ish for my liking.

No reptiles in SE South Australia. Just great big whopping blow flies!!! They drive me crazy. My girls think it's hilarious to watch mum madly swatting at flies. Atleast two people are entertained by the presence of a gazillion blowies.....

Debra said...

The turtles let out a stink when they are scared (generally when you lift them out of water). It's supposed to scare you off.
We've had several visitors (usually injured when they arrive) like these over the years, although not that small (still have 8 at last count). I bought tiny yabbies for them once, thinking they would be a good snack for them. The yabbies are now huge, with great big brillian blue nippers and now they also bail me up waiting for roo mince with the turtles and if they don't feel they are getting a fair share they start pulling the mince out of each others mouths. They are very entertaining.
Definitely prefer these little delights to snakes!

Anonymous said...

Long time reader but first comment! As a teenager we moved one from our farm dam to the closest river about 10 minutes drive away (as it was eating our yabbies). My job was to ensure it didn't climb out the bucket on the drive, which was between my legs. Unfortuantely it did attempt to constantly climb out, and I completely agree about the snake like appearance. Not a fun trip. Really love your blog, and hope the harvest is getting wrapped up with the drier weather.
Vienta, Perth

Semi Expat said...

Hmmm yes, EEEKY snake neck indeed but as you say, hours of entertainment!! Thanks for your comment too - very happy to be back in UK for a 'cold' Christmas - our first in 3 years....X

Be A Fun Mum said...

That neck is huge!