Welcome to the forum.I know that this is going to sound weird but is it possible for a tort to like foot scratches
Franklin also HATES soaks, like is appalled at having to sit in water and runs for the sides hoping to get the heck out. But I know for a fact his likes and dislikes are from the fact that he's from petco and never knew people or our care ways. I take him no longer peeing when I look at him a sign of l like, he'll also fall asleep on my chest, so that's love enough for meI think they are as individual as you or I and may or may not enjoy being handled/touched.
Beans absolutely loves head rubs. And my little hatchling will fall asleep in my hands if I rub her shell gently. Watson isn't a fan of being lifted while the others are fine with it. I can see the panic in his eyes and in his posture. I'm more careful that he feels secure than I am with the others who take it all in stride.
All of them are used to being petted and handled. No one retreats to their shell except my foster. She comes out quickly out of curiosity, but the instant you move she reacts by quickly partially sucking her head in. She isn't a fan of being touched but doesn't completely retreat.
I definitely see their individual likes and dislikes, but all of them love a good warm soak. Hahaha!
Size has to do with it too: Franklin is smaller so my hand looks bigger and scarier than if he was say a 150lb sulcata whose head is like the size of franklin lolThey could... I think it would be different if you raised them way, rather than trying with an adult who never experienced being 'pet' before
Both my tortoises have a limited tolerance for being touched. Shells are okay, but head and feet are off limits
While I think it would be awesome if the turtles enjoyed being scratched, right now the outcome would not be desirable.
Take care when handling you tort, please.My baby usually doesn't mind if i pet his head or even rub noses with him. But the other day i tried grabbing his hind leg to count his toes, and he does not like that.
I do. I was merely trying to coax his leg out enough to get a good look but he reflexively yanks it back in. I ended up just inspecting his foot where it was with a magnifying glass.Take care when handling you tort, please.