DoomsdayHeartAttackTort
New Member
I’m a newer caretaker but have been learning about torts for a while before adopting one. I’m very interested in cognition and behavior. With mammals there is so much info about instinctual behaviors/body language and how to fulfill those instinctual needs. I haven’t been able to find as much about tortoises. With transitioning my tortoise to an outdoor enclosure I’ve been thinking a lot about these questions. Trying to determine how he’s feeling.
How can we interpret stress level from our torts behavior?
How do we gauge quality of life?
Is climbing up and diving off rocks a natural behavior that is enjoyable?
How much hiding starts to indicate more serious discomfort?
Do males exhibit changes in behavior during spring even if there is no female? What behaviors and at what age/stage would they start that behavior?
Has anyone else come across their male tortoise digging only their tale into the substrate? Like made a tiny tail hole?
Has anyone made helpful observations for understanding our tortoises better?
Love to hear anyone’s thoughts.
How can we interpret stress level from our torts behavior?
How do we gauge quality of life?
Is climbing up and diving off rocks a natural behavior that is enjoyable?
How much hiding starts to indicate more serious discomfort?
Do males exhibit changes in behavior during spring even if there is no female? What behaviors and at what age/stage would they start that behavior?
Has anyone else come across their male tortoise digging only their tale into the substrate? Like made a tiny tail hole?
Has anyone made helpful observations for understanding our tortoises better?
Love to hear anyone’s thoughts.