I get what you're saying I see comments here and there saying that I'm overconfident so I'm reflecting a bit of caution..... I'm not scared at all or I wouldn't be getting this close to them to begin with.... what I do notice is they have different personalities there's as many as nine that I have fed this way some are more relaxed than others there is one that would sit down and chill next to me outside the pond if I could have the opportunity to work with him and a couple others unhindered.they would be extremely docile problem is that the year before and particularly last year people started fishing( and bothering the turtles with sticks)which that damaged the turtles trust then they started getting quick with their grab which is ironically a reason why I continue to use my hands because if I were to use tongs the turtles associate that with a fishing pole or stick and get either quick with their grab or don't come to approach me at all......

As awesome as that is. You're too scared. 😂 I would have been holding every one of them. Not jumping back. If you are that scared get you some cheap tongs. Maybe both you and the turtle's can build a trustworthy bond. With flinching like that you're just prolonging what could be an excellent relationship. I pet all my snapping turtles and the wild ones.