Am I overthinking?

[Tillythetortoise131718]

So, I've been quietly fretting for a lil bit so I'll just ask the question

Tilly doesn't appear to be digging and burying herself - I've heard like everywhere that they love to dig. She used to when stupidly used old pallets but since changing to cococoir with forest floor in areas she doesn't really dig. Stays out most of the day, basking away, morning and late afternoon patrols, is drinking, having a daily bath, worm free, gaining weight (she's gained a total 4g now finally) but she not digging?

She goes into her lil hide away every night, like clockwork actually (I'm secretly impressed by her routine) some times digs just her head in and her front er, legs/arms? Am I overthinking and some don't dig as much? Or is something amiss?

Thanks in advance, just want to make sure I'm doing the best for her!

She's an unknown age - was advised 2yo from store, vet placed her at 3/4 months (but admitted she wasn't 100% sure) cert says was hatched in 2025 but chap who told me humidity wasn't important said that 2025 was when she was chipped. She was riddled with worms but have now gone for anyone who doesn't know the background reading this.

Sam

 

[wellington]

Yes you are over thinking it. My Russian sometimes digs sometimes first. Mostly in the corner of his hide but doesn't do a good job covering himself anyway lol
As long as temps are correct I wouldn't worry about it.

 

[Tillythetortoise131718]

Thank you, I needed someone who knew to say I was overthinking.. phew!

 

[ZEROPILOT]

The gains in weight are a really good indicator of a healthy tortoise.
Digging or not digging probably indicates a difference in humidity with the new substrate compared to the old

 

[Tom]

So, I've been quietly fretting for a lil bit so I'll just ask the question

Tilly doesn't appear to be digging and burying herself - I've heard like everywhere that they love to dig. She used to when stupidly used old pallets but since changing to cococoir with forest floor in areas she doesn't really dig. Stays out most of the day, basking away, morning and late afternoon patrols, is drinking, having a daily bath, worm free, gaining weight (she's gained a total 4g now finally) but she not digging?

She goes into her lil hide away every night, like clockwork actually (I'm secretly impressed by her routine) some times digs just her head in and her front er, legs/arms? Am I overthinking and some don't dig as much? Or is something amiss?

Thanks in advance, just want to make sure I'm doing the best for her!

She's an unknown age - was advised 2yo from store, vet placed her at 3/4 months (but admitted she wasn't 100% sure) cert says was hatched in 2025 but chap who told me humidity wasn't important said that 2025 was when she was chipped. She was riddled with worms but have now gone for anyone who doesn't know the background reading this.

Sam

ZEROPILOT said it, but I'll say it in my own words: One of. the primary reasons for digging is to create a more humid microclimate for themselves when they feel like they need one. With dry pellets, your tortoise needed more humidity. Now that you are using a better substrate, and keeping it damp, the tortoise feels adequate humidity all the time, and is less inclined to dig in.

This is a great sign, and this is the sort of thing we are talking about when we say that your tortoise will tell you if you've got things right. Your tortoise is now walking around giving you a virtual thumbs up.

 

[Tillythetortoise131718]

ZEROPILOT said it, but I'll say it in my own words: One of. the primary reasons for digging is to create a more humid microclimate for themselves when they feel like they need one. With dry pellets, your tortoise needed more humidity. Now that you are using a better substrate, and keeping it damp, the tortoise feels adequate humidity all the time, and is less inclined to dig in.

This is a great sign, and this is the sort of thing we are talking about when we say that your tortoise will tell you if you've got things right. Your tortoise is now walking around giving you a virtual thumbs up.

Fabulous to hear, thank you. My mind is at rest Tilly says thanks, she just doesn't show it on her face..