How peculiar! Thank you for sharing. Do you think it's because it seemed like it was thundering or an earthquake to Donnie? Sometimes, my youngest - Lil Lily, out of the blue, would be spooked and dash from one place to another in a frenzy for shelter (we have a road nearby and lots of Harleys at times, I think those strong vibrations got to her, or an Earthquake in CA for all I know lol). I would really love to talk about this more in detail because I am working on a communication model where I am testing low sound and vibrational frequencies tortoises respond to - it has to be below 2000 Hz. I even bought 2 types of African tribal drums, but the pitch was wrong. So far, footstep codes work the best.
Oh I think I misread your comment... I've never seen this behavior with anything else. We have some rain coming up possibly thunderstorm I'll see his reaction. He likes to go out in the rain I don't think either of the sulcatas are affected by the thunder but I will definitely pay attention!
Okay I sure will! I mean I feel like that can hear me because I will call Donnies name and he comes. Maybe he here's my footsteps though. I'm going to have to pay attention to that. I'm always talking to them. Probably just talking to myself as usual . I will participate just let me know if you need something specific!
Hahahhahah, talking to ourselves is a thing for sure! I appreciate your willingness to participate in the experiment. You are right, footsteps play a huge role, because they transfer through the ground and vibrate in their shells (think of a bell's vibrations). If you could monitor how Donnie reacts to yours vs others, that would be great! Another thing, if you are up to it, is tapping (no tap dance involved unless you really want to put on a show!) I have experimented with different beats, and so far heartbeat rhythm is the winner. Plus, it feels natural that I use a human heartbeat to "speak" with them. When I want them to come to me or them to know where I am, I tap with my foot or hand on the ground. 80% success rate. On and off, I use treats to reward, but mostly it's a shell massage; they love it.
Another theory I am developing is the personal scent profile. Torts have a magnificent smell detection. I spend a lot of time on the ground and staying at their eye level, so when I speak or just breathe, they recognize my chemical signature (mostly coffee and tea lol) and respond to it. Have you ever noticed when speaking to Donnie in close proximity, his reactions to the scents you carry? Another thing is I dont use any heavy perfumes (body, clothing, etc.) as it could be overwhelming for them, but when I want a scent I run to the other side of the house to put it on lol
I am focusing on their strongest senses - vibration detection and scent, as they don't have ears, and their eyesight isn't the greatest either. Let me know your thoughts and how it goes!
Oh I think I misread your comment... I've never seen this behavior with anything else. We have some rain coming up possibly thunderstorm I'll see his reaction. He likes to go out in the rain I don't think either of the sulcatas are affected by the thunder but I will definitely pay attention!
No worries, I've noticed loving the rain behavior too. Plus, I can always tell if a big storm is coming by their behavior. They sense these things before the weatherman gets it right! Hahahah
