Need advice on tort falling on back

[Augustus1508]

So ive noticed my 1 year old spur thighed tortoise, ever since hes become mega active has had a few tumbles of him falling on his back/side.

One event occurred today and he must have not been on his back for more than 5 minutes but when I saw him he wasn't trying to turn over?

Ive changed things in his vivarium including the layout of the substrate, where his plants are, and his house. Its only this one same spot he seems to have a tumble. Ive tried rearranging things here many times but it still happens and it's not even an exact corner.

There has been times hes fallen but hes righted himself.

I was wondering if anyone had advice on what to do/what i can change? Im going to be getting a camera soon so if he does and I'm not here i can call or message someone to right him for me. It just fills me with a lot of worry and anxiety as dont want him to get hurt from this.

Hes never lethargic after his tumbles, at most probably a state of "shock" hes running around now and is esting doesn't seem any different.

 

[EppsDynasty]

Can he see through the enclosure in this area? We now paint or cover the walls of enclosures with babies so they cannot see out. It is VERY common for most of our babies to 'climb' the wall where they can see out. Once we cover in which ever way so they cannot see out ....the behavior ends. We have almost on a daily basis babies that get turned over on their backs despite or efforts. We usually get past this behavior within 45-60 days of being in the same enclosure but not a guarantee. Some babies are harder to 'read' and figure out what they are wanting but we have been able to end the flipping for all with only minor tweaks. Completely understand your concerns and what your doing is great....be vigilant and never accept anything that is a threat as just 'The way it is.'

 

[wellington]

I agree with above. Also remove or block any corners if he's using them to try and climb. Wood hides also they might try to climb. Change it with a plastic hide or cover the wood with a safe product that is smooth.
Be sure to give a warm soak if you notice a wet area where you find him on his back. That will be urine and you should soak to help rehydrate him.

 

[EppsDynasty]

Be sure to give a warm soak if you notice a wet area where you find him on his back

GREAT ADVICE ......

 

[The_Four_Toed_Edward]

Its only this one same spot he seems to have a tumble. Ive tried rearranging things here many times but it still happens and it's not even an exact corner.

What is this spot like? Maybe a photo of it?

 

[Augustus1508]

Can he see through the enclosure in this area? We now paint or cover the walls of enclosures with babies so they cannot see out. It is VERY common for most of our babies to 'climb' the wall where they can see out. Once we cover in which ever way so they cannot see out ....the behavior ends. We have almost on a daily basis babies that get turned over on their backs despite or efforts. We usually get past this behavior within 45-60 days of being in the same enclosure but not a guarantee. Some babies are harder to 'read' and figure out what they are wanting but we have been able to end the flipping for all with only minor tweaks. Completely understand your concerns and what your doing is great....be vigilant and never accept anything that is a threat as just 'The way it is.'

So hes in a wooden varium with 3 walls wooden then the glass doors at the front, its so strange as the place he tries to climb is the back wall but its the same spot over and over so ive got no idea what hes after the window is covered about 3-4 inches to stop him from seeing out on the glass

 

[Augustus1508]

So to the right of his house there's those markings from him trying to climb it, thats the spot!

 

[Augustus1508]

So to the right of his house there's those markings from him trying to climb it, thats the spot!

Underneath is just his substrate, and next to that is a slate about 5-10cms away

 

[Littleredfootbigredheart]

So to the right of his house there's those markings from him trying to climb it, thats the spot!

I have a sneaking suspicion he can see an ever so slight gap between the hide and the wall, in their little tortoise brains, they see a gap, they like to try and barge into itdoes it sit flush with the wall? That’s helped in a lot of cases I’ve seen where the tortoise keeps trying to get behind a hide for it to sit perfectly flush

 

[The_Four_Toed_Edward]

I have a sneaking suspicion he can see an ever so slight gap between the hide and the wall, in their little tortoise brains, they see a gap, they like to try and barge into itdoes it sit flush with the wall? That’s helped in a lot of cases I’ve seen where the tortoise keeps trying to get behind a hide for it to sit perfectly flush

This is what I was thinking! I have one hide that my tortoise always would move away from the wall in order to lodge in between the wall and the hide. Now I have moved that hide more in the middle of the enclosure to avoid any hazards.

 

[Augustus1508]

I have a sneaking suspicion he can see an ever so slight gap between the hide and the wall, in their little tortoise brains, they see a gap, they like to try and barge into itdoes it sit flush with the wall? That’s helped in a lot of cases I’ve seen where the tortoise keeps trying to get behind a hide for it to sit perfectly flush

Ahhh that may be it! It doesn't sit perfectly against the wall, I have even tried moving it away from that wall to which hell go to the corner instead

 

[Littleredfootbigredheart]

Ahhh that may be it! It doesn't sit perfectly against the wall, I have even tried moving it away from that wall to which hell go to the corner instead

It’s a shame cause it’s a nice hide lol, but it might be worth trying one that does sit flush, I’m curious if it’ll change his antics lol

 

[Augustus1508]

It’s a shame cause it’s a nice hide lol, but it might be worth trying one that does sit flush, I’m curious if it’ll change his antics lol

To be honest, I changed it around and (fingers crossed) he hasn't tumbled or tried to climb it since!!

 

[Cgeyer]

Are u sure your tortoise is a male? Females; particularly, those new to egg laying become hyperactive during this time. A veterinarian can do a physical exam to check the birth canal. Digital x-ray is even better. Very low x-ray exposure. Good luck.

 

[Augustus1508]

Are u sure your tortoise is a male? Females; particularly, those new to egg laying become hyperactive during this time. A veterinarian can do a physical exam to check the birth canal. Digital x-ray is even better. Very low x-ray exposure. Good luck.

Yeah hes been confirmed a male by two vets. Its also been confirmed with his shell growth and tail opening!

 

[Littleredfootbigredheart]

To be honest, I changed it around and (fingers crossed) he hasn't tumbled or tried to climb it since!!

Yay let’s hopethey love keeping us on our toes our shelled companions

 

[Augustus1508]

Yay let’s hopethey love keeping us on our toes our shelled companions

So much!! Although today hes been an absolute saint and hoping he stays that way. However I can guarantee tomorrow's a different day, he wasnt too pleased with me waking him up early

 

[Sarah2020]

The early years are tough with the continuous flipping. Add some low rocks to the enclosure and when it flips it has a chance to right its self. The good news is that as they get older the flipping is less but it does still occur. For the wall scratching you need to check enclosure is comfortable and has correct set up Inc heat , light, calcium, food, water and as long as that is provided and welfare is good then you need to consider size of enclosure. Tortoise like to travel so a small enc needs extending. They do settle down with time. I also recommend shallow warm water soaks 3 times a week in a high sided container similar to washing up bowl but dedicated to the tort this helps hydrate and exercise the tort for approx 30 mins.

 

[Maggie3fan]

Underneath is just his substrate, and next to that is a slate about 5-10cms away

On the top right corner is that light a window?

 

[Littleredfootbigredheart]

On the top right corner is that light a window?

I think it’s part of the uvb reflector hood