Can a tort learn?

[fgately]

I already can see that torts are pretty smart relative to other reptiles, and learn pretty quickly. Is it possible to teach them a trick or two? Nothing major. Maybe they could fetch or ring a bell? Can you ever call one by name, and would they respond to it?

 

[Candy]

They sure learn quickly who gives them treats. I was outside about 4 days ago and Fernando was just sitting in a corner of my backyard. I started walking towards him and was telling him good morning Fernando when he started to come towards me. When I put my hand down he came over and kind of smelled it to see if I had brought out any spring mix for him. I was so excited because I felt that he finally recognized me. I like the bell thing that you suggested though. I did train my dogs to use one I think it would be great if we could teach the tortoises the same.

 

[Maggie Cummings]

Bob learned how to climb into his cart and ride around the house into his pen. He also takes himself into his shed every evening. He won't come when I call him, but he will if I wiggle my fingers. He will come to me and he will follow my fingers if I wiggle them. I taught him using strawberries and he remembers the food. After I lead him around wiggling my fingers I need to be careful that he doesn't bite me. If I don't reward him with a berry he will bite at my fingers or a leg or any body part he can reach. Fortunately he does not have a long memory so I don't have to watch out too long...

 

[fgately]

I wonder if I could do a Pavlovian experiment? I could rig up some string and a noisemaking device. If they pull the string, a bell or an airhorn would sound, and then I would give them food. They would learn! Cool.

 

[terryo]

Maybe...why not! If a chicken could do it, why not a tort. In the morning when I go outside I call..."Pio..yumyum's"...and he comes running out of his hide. I've been doing this since I got him. I'm sure it's just repetition and knowing there's food coming. I also call my boxies the same way, and all of them come out from where ever they are to eat. Again, probably just repetition and knowing there's food.

 

[N2TORTS]

I have one that can juggle and ride a uni~cycle!
JD~

 

[tortoisenerd]

We taught our tort to know we placed fresh food when we tap his slate feeding tile. He at least looks up when we tap it. Haven't done it as much lately because I feed him long before he gets up (my hubby is back working again so their weekday bonding time has come to an end), but on the weekends when we do it he still definitely knows what it means (he doesn't come running over though--he likes to take his sweet time in the mornings, just like his mommy!). They feel vibrations more than hear, so having them come when called isn't as much of a possibility, but I know many torts that when they feel the footsteps or such of their food god, they come running over (and yes, I think torts run).

 

[RV's mom]

RV once caught a finger by accident when feeding some romaine as a treat... Not too long ago, I was sorting through peas (still in the pod) and decided to give some to RV. Not to say she's spoiled, but she looks UP to feed, no matter that I put the food on the ground. Anyway, I held the pea pod (carefully!) by the end, and I swear RV very carefully opened her mouth and gently took the pod. I fed her another and she got a little more aggressive with her bite. guess she liked the taste of pea pods. I think torts respond to those who feed.. I know RV gives a long hard look at who ever is in her yard, and makes the decision to either come and investigate, or continue to graze on the grass. And Kate, RV stomps the yard and does come running when she perceives we have treats. Especially something she loves. Tomorrow, we'll try the banana leaves.

 

[Terry Allan Hall]

I've taught my Hermann's and Iberian, as well as previous torts, to come to their feeding spots when I ring a cowbell...didn't take long, either.

Think I read once about a tortoise learning to run a maze...don't clearly recall the species, but think it might've been a Hermann's or a Greek.

Torts ARE pretty clever!

 

[samstar]

My female star used to always push around my male star, push things around when I introduced her to the enclosure so I put her into a 2x3 ft tub for 2 weeks. Today they are the best of friends(even bask together) and she does not mess up the enclosure like she initially did.

 

[bluejen1313]

Mine also come "running" over when I'm outside. They also like their heads scratched.

 

[MaddieLynn]

My female 3-toed box turtle responds to the sound of a fork being scraped across a plate when I feed her. Her response speed depends on how hungry she is. LOL!

 

[samstar]

Mine also come "running" over when I'm outside. They also like their heads scratched.

mine always run away from me. I must be Godzilla to them!