3 year Old Red footed Cherry Head Tortoise odd behavior

[Reds Dad]

My 3 year old cherry head tortoise has been exhibiting odd behavior and I was wondering if it's normal or something wrong with him his diet or his enclosure.
His head moves abruptly and quickly, in almost a snapping motion, from the left to the right repeatedly and he walks around in circles as if he is disoriented.
The bouts only last a minute or two then he seems to settle down.
Every time I have noticed it it has been early evening and at other times during the day he seems to behave normal.
He is currently in an outdoor enclosure/habitat approx. 10'x10' with good places to hide, foliage and shelter.
His diet consist of mixed greens, bell pepper, fruit, zucchini and Mazuri tortoise pellets along with plenty of fresh water.
I made a film of him but it's apparently too large to upload.

I may be worrying for nothing but It concerns me.

Any thoughts would be appreciated!

 

[Chefdenoel10]

Hi and welcome !!
Could it be a bug bitting him?
Check for bug bites or ants walking around.
Check his outdoor house… anything in there?
Has he got food stuck to the corner of his mouth and is trying to get it?
Just some suggestions…
I’ll send for the others to help you out.

@Tom
@Yvonne G
@Maggie3fan
@zovick

 

[zovick]

My 3 year old cherry head tortoise has been exhibiting odd behavior and I was wondering if it's normal or something wrong with him his diet or his enclosure.
His head moves abruptly and quickly, in almost a snapping motion, from the left to the right repeatedly and he walks around in circles as if he is disoriented.
The bouts only last a minute or two then he seems to settle down.
Every time I have noticed it it has been early evening and at other times during the day he seems to behave normal.
He is currently in an outdoor enclosure/habitat approx. 10'x10' with good places to hide, foliage and shelter.
His diet consist of mixed greens, bell pepper, fruit, zucchini and Mazuri tortoise pellets along with plenty of fresh water.
I made a film of him but it's apparently too large to upload.

I may be worrying for nothing but It concerns me.

Any thoughts would be appreciated!

I have had tortoises which made strange head motions like what you are describing from time to time, but had nothing wrong with them that I could determine. I've also had some which walked about in a very rapid pace for no apparent reason on occasion.

Personally, I would say that if the tortoise is eating and acting normally the rest of the time, it is probably nothing of any consequence.

 

[Reds Dad]

My 3 year old cherry head tortoise has been exhibiting odd behavior and I was wondering if it's normal or something wrong with him his diet or his enclosure.
His head moves abruptly and quickly, in almost a snapping motion, from the left to the right repeatedly and he walks around in circles as if he is disoriented.
The bouts only last a minute or two then he seems to settle down.
Every time I have noticed it it has been early evening and at other times during the day he seems to behave normal.
He is currently in an outdoor enclosure/habitat approx. 10'x10' with good places to hide, foliage and shelter.
His diet consist of mixed greens, bell pepper, fruit, zucchini and Mazuri tortoise pellets along with plenty of fresh water.
I made a film of him but it's apparently too large to upload.

I may be worrying for nothing but It concerns me.

Any thoughts would be appreciated!

Hi and welcome !!
Could it be a bug bitting him?
Check for bug bites or ants walking around.
Check his outdoor house… anything in there?
Has he got food stuck to the corner of his mouth and is trying to get it?
Just some suggestions…
I’ll send for the others to help you out.

@Tom
@Yvonne G
@Maggie3fan
@zovick

Thank you for your insight I will check for all those things today!

 

[Reds Dad]

I have had tortoises which made strange head motions like what you are describing from time to time, but had nothing wrong with them that I could determine. I've also had some which walked about in a very rapid pace for no apparent reason on occasion.

Personally, I would say that if the tortoise is eating and acting normally the rest of the time, it is probably nothing of any consequence.

Ok thank you that’s reassuring to know!
My tortoise does the rapid pace walk too
I was wondering if it was an anxiety or stress behavior. In my view he has an awesome enclosure but to him it might be stressful???
Well thank you again for your help!

 

[zovick]

Ok thank you that’s reassuring to know!
My tortoise does the rapid pace walk too
I was wondering if it was an anxiety or stress behavior. In my view he has an awesome enclosure but to him it might be stressful???
Well thank you again for your help!

Are there any plants with overhanging leaves in your enclosure under which the tortoise can rest to feel secure? Or any half log type hiding areas? red-foots are forest dwellers in the wild and don't need a lot of direct light. Somewhat filtered light would be their preference.

 

[Reds Dad]

Are there any plants with overhanging leaves in your enclosure under which the tortoise can rest to feel secure? Or any half log type hiding areas? red-foots are forest dwellers in the wild and don't need a lot of direct light. Somewhat filtered light would be their preference.

Yes he’s got all of that 2 well covered shelters and a few plants to hide under. Thanks