He's been down there for days

[GeoTerraTestudo]

Hi, all. I recently posted on how much my Russian tortoises like digging in the new coco coir substrate of their indoor enclosures. However, my male buried himself 2-3 days ago, and he hasn't surfaced since. Sometimes I can hear him scratching down there, and I can see the surface of the substrate moving over him sometimes, too. He tried to do this last week, but I pulled him out after a day. He looked great and fed well, but now he hasn't come out on his own to eat or drink, so I'm wondering if I should pull him out. What would you do?

 

[paver1960]

Hi, my torts will do that too. I think they just like to dig and hunker down where they feel safe and secure. You will however need to pull him out to make sure he eats and drinks. Other than that, he should be fine.

Craig

 

[wrmitchell22]

I would pull him out, but I don't know if that is the right thing to do or not. Is the temp okay, does he think he needs to hybernate early?

 

[GeoTerraTestudo]

I would pull him out, but I don't know if that is the right thing to do or not. Is the temp okay, does he think he needs to hybernate early?

He might be feeling that way, but the only different variable is the substrate (coco coir), with perhaps a higher relative humidity (about 50%, which I would think is nice), as well as the time of year. Other than that, the diet is the same, and the temperature is the same (ambient high 70's with a hot spot of 95 F). Not sure if he's just feeling cozy, or actually trying to get over something. What do you think?

 

[wrmitchell22]

I hope a more experienced person gets on soon to answer your question, it doesn't sound like it's too cool to me?? not sure??

 

[Jacqui]

My theory has always been when in doubt, investigate. If you take him out, really what is the harm you could do? If you don't and something is wrong, it could be serious. Plus YOUR worried about it. If your worried, then that too should count for something. For your own piece of mind check, it out. I vote dig that boy up!

 

[GBtortoises]

It's simply a Russian tortoise acting normal.

 

[ascott]

Geo....was he acting aok before he went under? Has he been eating, drinking, exercising before he went under? How long has he known his indoor space? My guys are all outside 24/7 during tortoise season...with exception of my old man Humphry...he has poor eyesight so he has to come inside each night and he has a sleeping box...the moment he gets inside he settles and sleeps....maybe your guy figures when inside he is more comfortable snoozing?

I would check him once in awhile to assure yourself that all is fine....and if not fine...then checking on him would have been a good thing...

I kinda think with the time of year this type of behavior is in line....

 

[Laura]

the days are geting shorter.. if there are less hours of lights on during the day, and its cooler, he may be trying to hibernate.. early.. IF he was eaten and has a gut full of food.. this is Not good..
I would wake him up...feed, water, watch..
Is there another tort with him that could be pestering him?

 

[GeoTerraTestudo]

I should've kept this topic under the "Sleepy male Russian tortoise?" thread. Anyway, to answer the questions above, each tortoise has its own indoor enclosure. Other than the new substrate (coco coir) and the approaching autumn, everything is the same. Also, I have some news. The female buried herself a couple days ago, too. But I checked on them this morning and both are doing fine. Here is the update, copied from the other thread:

Thanks for the replies, guys. Very informative. Sounds like this might be the time of year they start becoming less active. Here's an update for you. A couple days ago, the female started doing the same thing: burying herself deep down in the coco coir (which is about 6" deep or more) and not coming out. Saturday mornings are their bath time, so I rummaged around in their enclosures and found them. Both were deep beneath the shallow water dishes. Humidity is high under the surface, but maybe it's even a bit higher under the dishes, which spill out some water from time to time. Well, both tortoises were fine. Interestingly, their shells were yellower than usual, apparently due to the humidity down there. Anyway, I gave them breakfast (spring mix, dandelion, and plantago), and they ate well. Now they are basking.

Maybe I'll take them out later today for some sunshine. But not in the morning, like I was doing over the summer. Autumn seems to be approaching fast. It's already 10 am, and the temperature outdoors is still only in the 50's!

 

[lorraine]

My baby does this as well but he does it under the heat lamp as he loves the heat also he digs under my other tortoise dont ask me why but they have been doing this since day one.

I wouldnt worry too much as they will come up. But i remember when he did this the first time I was worried so I got him up and bathed him and fed him and he was fine.

He still does this now and this is very normal for a horsefield.