Does anyone know what he's doing and why?

[kurmaraja12]

Kurma has been spinning around a little bit and throwing substrate on his shell by kicking it up with his front legs. Does anyone know why?

 

[jesst]

Im not sure why they do that but my sulcata does the same thing when she digs. Sorry I couldnt be much help

 

[Tom]

That's just what they do. They like to dig around and throw dirt and mud on their shells. Turn on the garden hose and make a puddle for him next time he's outside on a warm day. Then you'll really see some mud slinging.

 

[kurmaraja12]

Thanks guys I was afraid he was too hot or cold

 

[ascott]

Alot of critters will toss dirt...mud....debris onto themselves to cool off, dust their bodies to ward off insects and above all...I believe it likely just feels good

 

[Laura]

what are the temps? hw might be too hot.. does he have a water bowl to sit in?

 

[ALDABRAMAN]

what are the temps? hw might be too hot.. does he have a water bowl to sit in?

 

[Talka]

He's pyramiding a bit, I'd spray him with water a few times a day. Make sure he gets a soak every couple days, etc.

 

[l0velesly]

That's totally normal, they love to dig and play with dirt.

 

[Arizona Sulcata]

They usually do it too cool off and relax. Very common, no biggie!

 

[*Barracuda_50*]

Alot of critters will toss dirt...mud....debris onto themselves to cool off, dust their bodies to ward off insects and above all...I believe it likely just feels good

I totaly agree with ascott and they also do it at times to hide them selfs from preditors/more so blending in with the background.

 

[kurmaraja12]

He gets soaked every day and spritzed liberally I've only had him for about two months so he unfortunately wasn't treated the way he should have been before I got him. The past couple days he's been wiggling his itty bitty tail. It's so cute!!!

 

[Katherine]

What are your temps like? Does he have somewhere to cool off? I notice this behavior in my tortoises only when it is very hot out; having cool dirt or mud on their carapace provides a little protection from radiant heat sources. He could just be playing, but it is worth checking to make sure he isn't too warm.

 

[kurmaraja12]

Oh yes, he has a hollow half-log to go under and a water bowl in the back corner. And theres room around the light if he wanted to bask but not get hot. Ill check on the temps...