My roommate has 3 red eared sliders. I am constantly amazed at how smart these little creatures are. While traveling we used a large plastic crate with water in it, instead of an aquarium. Within an hour or so, the more adventuresome turtle named Jeffers started to try and escape by going to the bottom of the crate, pushing off, swimming like a devil and then jumping out of the water, to try and grab the edge of the crate. I was amazed, Jeffers actually caught some air, before flopping back into the water. Of course i removed a bunch of water so he could not jump out, but I was amazed at his problem solving ability. My roommate actually is training him, much like you would a dog. He comes to his name, does some tricks on command for treats.
I am also constantly amazed that he and his tank mate actually PLAY, they have made up a couple of games they like to play, like king of the corner, they will try and push each other out of the corner. They also "rub necks" and cuddle.
Jeffers actually is very affectionate, and likes his head gently rubbed. He likes to "hang out" and just be. I always thought turtles were like snakes, sort of dumb, but I have been really amazed how smart these little reptiles are. Not only that, I am amazed how different each of the 3 turtles personalities are. Jeffers is a laid back stoner, likes to just hang with people. Paulie is a more of a tweeker, constantly in motion, not really liking people, and always running, or swimming in his tank. Where jeffers likes to be hand fed, paulie doesn't.
A friend suggested that these were not really personalities, but that they were conditioning interactions. Jeffers had been more socialized than Paulie. But that is not true. They came from the same breeder, and are siblings, and my roommate took me to meet the they guy, and he told me he plays with all his turtles, and hand feeds them so that they are used to humans, and won't bite people.
I am constantly amazed by these creatures and am being beginning to think they have more in common with dogs and cats, than snakes!