Encouraging Foraging Behavior/Exercise Using a Treat Dispenser

nightoff

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I was wandering around a pet store yesterday, looking at various dog/cat toys, collars, food, and it occurred to me that maybe there is a health benefit to encouraging exercise in tortoises. Essentially simulating foraging behavior. I feed my torts in a couple alternating places in their enclosures but for the most part, this doesn't require a lot of wandering around.

My parents used to use a treat dispenser, with their dog, that the dog had to push around to get the food to fall out. I was thinking of using pieces of carrot, pellet, or red pepper as the treat. Would it be too difficult to teach a tortoise to do this? Would the additional exercise be beneficial or is exercise not something to worry about?

I have attached a picture of the dispenser I thought might work. IMG_3544.jpgAny thoughts are welcome.

Indy and Zip's Mom
 

chemprentice

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What I've noticed with my greek is that when the temps are right and it is approaching his feeding time, he will start to pace around the enclosure and forage for food to show he's hungry. His activity levels will increase until I put food onto his food dish, then he'll start booking it to the food and eat. I don't know if the dispenser will encourage him to exercise; your tortoise will probably let you know when s/he is hungry.
 

wellington

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It probably won't do any harm, but I court it will work as your expecting. These are not dogs and can't be trained as such. Some people think they can call their tort by name and they come. It's most likely because that's the human that brings the food.
If you want better exercise for your tort, he sure he has a proper sized enclosure first. Then make sure he has one for outside. Plant foods/seeds that he has to roam around to nibble/graze on.
But, if you try the feeder ball, let us know what happens. Good luck
 

nightoff

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My torts live outside all year and have room to roam but just thought the treat ball might be good motivation. You are probably right that they won't catch on. I'll post if I try it.
 

nightoff

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Since you're also in South Florida do you have to pick up the uneaten food before it rots or do your torts do a good job of eating everything?
 

TammyJ

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This is interesting. I wonder if they would learn that that thing has food in it...can they smell the food in it? Would they see it and rush for it to get the food inside? It would be an experiment, and why not? Can't think right off of a downside to trying it.
 

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