Nocturnal? I need help!

[CannibalTort]

So I've had my red footed tortoise for about almost a year (he'll be a year old on August 8th). I live in Florida and keep him in an aquarium tank for now as he is still tiny tiny, his tank is around 80 degrees 24/7 unless in winter and it's just a little below that. I've noticed he's been super active the last few nights. I keep his light on while I'll sleep, I turn it on at 6 then off when I wake so he gets around 12 hrs or more of light, and he'd come out in the night and nibble on his food then go back into his little hide away place. But he's way way way more active then unusual. I came into my room and came to check on him cause I do that a little to much, but o noticed he has tried to climb his wife. Hut and had fallen into his back I flipped him over but I was worried if he does this while I'm sleeping what do I do? He's also been tunneling around in the corners!! Never seen him do this!! I don't think it's bad but I didn't know if it had something to do with his internal clock knowing it's getting warmer out, also how long can he stay upside down obviously I don't want him flipped over but if I'm passed out and he's gone and flipped is he okay ???? Very long entree I'm sorry- just anxious :0

 

[CannibalTort]

Climbing his hut- not wife

 

[Randi]

To my understanding, it is never beneficial in any way when they flip. It signals that something is wrong with the enclosure/set up. You will need to look for any hazards. Pictures would be helpful. If the tortoise flips under a heating lamp for example, they will dehydrate, over heat and die. Flipping causes the organs to put a lot of pressure on the lungs, making it very difficult to breathe. It is very stressful for them to flip onto their shells. My advice would be to try to locate the cause and change it to prevent any more flipping. I don't think they can remain flipped for very long. I had mine flip upside down in a water dish. I got there just in time.

The tank is 80 degrees constantly? What do you mean it's colder in winter? You wouldn't want any part of the enclosure to be lower then 80, as these cold temperatures effect digestion and immunity. The warmer, the better. 85 degrees is ideal. You also don't want the temperature to fluctuate constantly. Are you monitoring temps with a thermometer?

 

[DutchieAmanda]

Hi, maybe I don't understand it correctly but is his light on at night? Torts need a day and night cycle, so light during the day and dark at night. You can use a CHE at night to keep the temps up without providing light.

I agree that flipping could be dangerous. Maybe you can change his hut that he cannot climb it, or make it so he can safely climb it.