hiding tortoise

[molly2208]

I have a tortoise approx 3yrs old and all she wants to do is hide away, is this normal? We have had her for around 3 weeks.

 

[dmmj]

As long as temps are good, then yes it's normal

 

[Lyn W]

I have a tortoise approx 3yrs old and all she wants to do is hide away, is this normal? We have had her for around 3 weeks.

Hi welcome to the forum. I'm sure some of the experienced keepers will be along to help soon, but it would help them to help you f you could say what type of tort it is, how old and post pics of her and your enclosure so they can see if it's something in your set up that is stressing her out e. g, too hot/too cold, substrate etc.

It could be just the changes have upset her, but is she eating and drinking and pooping normally? Are you giving her warm soaks etc to keep her hydrated?
If you are using a coil type bulb stop using it straight away as the can damage torts eyes and even blind them.

Have you seen the caresheet for your type of tort yet? That will tell you exactly how to care for her what space she needs, temps/humidity/diet etc . The Enclosures section has great ideas and I also found the Beginner's Mistakes thread useful for do's and don'ts.
Looking forward to hearing more about your tort.

 

[ZEROPILOT]

Agreed.
Could you post up some photos of your set up and give your temperatures?

 

[JoesMum]

Hi

Firstly let me reassure you that torts can be very slow to adjust to new surroundings and three weeks of hiding is not unusual. In fact some are capable of much more.

Pictures of your tort enclosure will help us to identify if there's a problem or something that might help. The 4 key temperatures we need are warm side, cool side, directly under the basking lamp and overnight minimum.

Generally it is about establishing routine so your tort knows what to expect when. I suggest a daily routine starting something along the lines of:
Lights on (use a timer)
Soak (which hydrates and gets tort used to being handled)
Feed straight after soak
Walk away and don't stand watching (it's intimidating)

Hopefully he will rapidly decide that you're not so scary after all and soon associate you with the arrival of food and come running

 

[Tidgy's Dad]

Hello Molly and a very warm welcome to Tortoise Forum to you and your new tortoise.
As the gang have said, it is most likely normal, as some torts take a while to settle into a new environment, they are worried they've encroached on another's territory or that something here will eat them. Don't fuss too much with the tort and it will come to explore and realize this is its new home.
But the gang are right, more details and photos of the enclosure would help us to know if there is another problem.

 

[144 Grandpa Turtle]

Hello Molly
have a great tort day !

 

[Yvonne G]

Welcome to the forum!

What kind is it?
What are you feeding it?
What kind of light are you using?
Can we see pictures of the tortoise and the area you keep him in?

 

[johnsonnboswell]

It might be normal. It might be a reaction to an unsuitable environment, which is very common if you followed pet store advice. They probably told you everything wrong. That's why we ask for details so we can help you.

 

[Gillian M]

A very warm welcome to the forum.

I totally agree with what came above: torts require time-and A LOT OF TIME- to adjust to a new place, evnironment, owner, climate, enclosure, and the rest.
Therefore, do not worry. I believe we all experienced this as beginners.

Please post pics of your tort asap. These will enable experienced members to help you.

Good luck.