handling...

[Jenley]

Is it ok to handle my sulcata? Or should I just leave him alone? I would really like to handle him if it's ok but if they don't usually like it, I will leave him alone...

 

[wellington]

Some will say no, some yes. Most do and that's how they get to be more comfortable with you. My personal opinion, a tort that is used to being handled will be easier to medicate should it ever be needed. If you have only had him for a few days, then maybe do it less until he gets used to his new home first.

 

[thatrebecca]

We have gradually increased the amount we handle our 2 juvenile CDTs since we adopted them in April and they've gotten more accustomed to it. We did it out of necessity when we realized we'd be bringing them in every night. At first it seemed to really stress them out when we had to move them -- they would flinch, scramble and pee, especially the older one. When possible, we started showing them our hands to sniff before we touched them, which really seemed to help. We also make sure to carry them with their limbs supported and in a box when traveling more than a few footsteps.

The funny thing is, we never expected them to be cuddly pets, but the younger one has become quite affectionate in her torty way. When we are lounging in the back yard, she has a tendency to come and wedge herself up against us. The older one isn't as affectionate, but he's become more personable, and much less freaked out by being handled than he was.

 

[ascott]

All of the torts and turtles here will be handled from time to time to make sure that they are not completely alien to it.....however, I do not handle them without necessary cause....

 

[Tom]

Young sulcatas are often a bit timid for the first two or three years. When I get a new baby, I leave them alone and keep the handling to a minimum for the first month or two. After that, I just go about my business and handle them whenever I need or want to. They all desensitize. I don't make any special effort to "tame" them, but most of them come walking over to me whenever they see me by the time they are three. I occasionally hand feed them a flower or reach down and give them a head or leg rub, but mostly I just let them be and enjoy watching them being tortoises doing tortoise things.

Our friend Chris (Cemmons12) is the master of sulcata tortoise taming. His baby, Cooper, is the tamest, friendliest sulcata of them all. Cuddles with him like a dog. PM Chris for tips and advice. He's a great guy and always happy to help.

 

[Jenley]

Thank you everyone! Right now I only handle him when I need to, he doesn't seem to mind...He doesn't freak out or anything like that when I do pick him up.

 

[J REED]

I have been wondering this myself

Jeremy