Hates new enclosure

[Ben02]

Hi,

I got Selma a new enclosure that is double the size of the old one. The problem is that she hates it. She paces the walls and sits there head against it. Basking temp is 32-34 degrees C and ambient 24 degrees C

Any suggestions would be much appreciated.

Thanks

Ben

 

[TechnoCheese]

She’s just getting used to it. Give her some time to adapt

 

[Ben02]

She’s just getting used to it. Give her some time to adapt

Thank you, I guess I didn’t think about that. Ungrateful tort

 

[Tom]

Tortoises get used to, and comfortable with, their environments. When you change anything, or change the whole thing, it is very stressful and there is an acclimation period. Frantically trying to escape the new realm and find "home" is common. Expect the tortoise to hide a lot the next few days, and probably not eat as much as usual. Some get over it quicker than others, but within a couple of weeks things will be back to normal and the tortoise will be more comfortable with its new territory. I like to soak more often during these times. Seems to help wake them out of their funk, get them moving, and stimulate appetite, all in addition to keeping them well hydrated while they aren't eating as much.

 

[EllieMay]

Hi,

I got Selma a new enclosure that is double the size of the old one. The problem is that she hates it. She paces the walls and sits there head against it. Basking temp is 32-34 degrees C and ambient 24 degrees C

Any suggestions would be much appreciated.

Thanks

Ben

Your such a good tort-daddy! You may be misunderstanding her actions. Activity is good for a tortoise. He / She is probably checking out the new area and walking off excitement. We would love to see some pics though... Don’t stress over this

 

[Ben02]

Tortoises get used to, and comfortable with, their environments. When you change anything, or change the whole thing, it is very stressful and there is an acclimation period. Frantically trying to escape the new realm and find "home" is common. Expect the tortoise to hide a lot the next few days, and probably not eat as much as usual. Some get over it quicker than others, but within a couple of weeks things will be back to normal and the tortoise will be more comfortable with its new territory. I like to soak more often during these times. Seems to help wake them out of their funk, get them moving, and stimulate appetite, all in addition to keeping them well hydrated while they aren't eating as much.

Thanks Tom, she does eat which is good however as you said, she does hide a lot.

 

[Ben02]

Your such a good tort-daddy! You may be misunderstanding her actions. Activity is good for a tortoise. He / She is probably checking out the new area and walking off excitement. We would love to see some pics though... Don’t stress over this

Haha thank you, it means a lot to me that they are comfortable and happy. I’ll definitely take some pics when the grumpy lady is settled in.

 

[dmmj]

They are super OCD about territory + the slightest little change can set them off. They are sight orientated (spelling?) so one little thing can set them off. Right now your tort fears he is in a new area (territory) & there might already be a guy (tortoise) in charge. He is going to be careful for awhile (hide) until he is sure he is the only 1 around.

 

[Yvonne G]

Tortoises are territorial. They really, REALLY don't like to be moved to new quarters. It may take a couple weeks for her to realize she's safe.

LOL! David posted while I was still typing. Oh well, just reinforces the thought.

 

[dmmj]

Well it seems like everyone is saying the same thing (redundant)

 

[Ben02]

They are super OCD about territory + the slightest little change can set them off. They are sight orientated (spelling?) so one thing can set them off. Right now your tort fears he is in a new area (territory) & there might already be a guy (tortoise) in charge. He is going to be careful for awhile (hide) until he is sure he is the only 1 around.

So she is looking out for a local tough tort, I get it

 

[dmmj]

So she is looking out for a local tough tort, I get it

I hope your tortoise is not offended by the fact that I kept on referring to her as a he.

 

[Ben02]

I hope your tortoise is not offended by the fact that I kept on referring to her as a he.

It will take about 50 years for her to forgive you. But seriously though, I don’t even know what gender she is yet. She is still a youngster

 

[Ben02]

Little update on Selma. She is very quiet in the mornings now and perks up a little bit in the afternoon. Bringing her outside really gets her going and she did graze on some clover while out their. She then came in and preceded to attack my fingers. She will tend to eat in the afternoon now then the morning. Does that sound normal?

 

[Dena]

She is just getting used to the change. I bet she will be a happy tort in a few weeks.