Head Jerks??

[TortieGal]

I noticed Herman's head does a quick little bob or jerk once in a while when he's walking. I am starting to add more cal and D3 I had only been putting it on his food a couple times a week. Maybe hes lacking something? I also have a cuttle bone in his home for him to chew on. I have been giving him a little squach and zucinni latley two, plus his spring mix . As soon as the christmass tree bins become available I will get him one and move him out of the 55 gal tank. Thanks for any advice.

 

[Kymiie]

Are you sure he isnt just breathing, my hermann ''crush'' moves his shoulders forward and also mmoves his cin like a frog lol, just him breathing.. xx

 

[TortieGal]

Herman is a Sulcata, I think I am going to change his name because there is two much confusion, when I let my brother name him Herman I didn't know there was a Hermann tortiose. Plus my daughter is bugging me to change it anyway she doesnt like the name Herman. I'm open to any sugjestions.
I really hope its just him breathing but I didn't notice him doing it before.
I'm wondering if the dessert 50 is the right light bulb for him I think I'll see if the pet store has the Trex 100w that I heard about from this site. I like the idea of heat and UVB all in one.

 

[Kymiie]

I can see he is a sulcata, I was just letting you know the species of my tortoise as some do are different to others etc... Didnt mistake him for a hermann lol. Yeah my torts UVB bulb is flickering so going to buy a spare 2mz because i think its going to blow lol! So i looking for advice so posted a thread. How about ''sully'' off of monsters inc...then it also fits in with sulcata! XD

 

[Stephanie Logan]

Sully sounds very cute!

Just FYI, I think all tortoises bob their head when they are nervous or surprised. My Taco seems to bob in greeting as well, as I snuggle her in the morning when I wake her up; I don't think it signals any serious problem. There are many more experienced keepers on this forum that will weigh in on this question and provide a definitive answer.

 

[mctlong]

I've also heard head bobbing can be a sign of aggression or a territorial behavior, like a gorilla pounding its chest. It intimidates the males and woos the ladies.

My 4 week-old hatchling bobs his head when I move things around in his enclosure.

 

[TortieGal]

Thanks everyone you have put my mind at ease a little. Just kind of looks like a weird twitch, he still eats like a litte pig, I can't beleave how much he eats for a little guy.
Kymiie sorry for thinking you thought he was a hermman, Sully a is very cute name. My daughter likes Ziggy and I was leaning towards Louie, I just don't know.