Pacing tortoise

[Shelled warrior]

Hi I’m in the UK South wales and I have a Russian tortoise which is housed on a tortoise table. He has a heat lamp and a natural light lamp but seems to be pacing back and forth. He goes into the garden when it’s above 20 degrees and loves it. Just wondered if this is normal behaviour's.

 

[Yvonne G]

Once you've allowed them to see there's more to the world than what's inside the walls of his enclosure, they're not happy anymore to stay in the enclosure. He paces because he wants out.

 

[Tom]

Hi I’m in the UK South wales and I have a Russian tortoise which is housed on a tortoise table. He has a heat lamp and a natural light lamp but seems to be pacing back and forth. He goes into the garden when it’s above 20 degrees and loves it. Just wondered if this is normal behaviour's.

What size is the indoor enclosure?

Have you seen this thread yet? It explains the correct lighting and much more. It will help make sure something isn't off with the enclosure or lighting.

Info For New People. Please Read This First.

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Questions are welcome.

 

[EppsDynasty]

He paces because he wants out.

We are no experts but have had many Russians in our rescue with this same issue. Until you give them everything THEY think they want this will continue. We even had one rub her feet off trying to get out constantly. As Tom posted the links you might want to read up on what their needs are and start to re think the enclosure. We have Russians in pretty small temporary enclosures but once we take care of all their needs they calm down and relax. There's something he thinks he needs and ya just have to figure out what that is.

 

[Littleredfootbigredheart]

For the indoor side of things, hopefully these will be useful!

This one covers correct equipment(uvb, heating bulbs, lighting etc, I’d double check bulb types), sizing(you can get away with slightly smaller indoors if you can build a larger outdoor space when weather permits, but still sizeable, bigger the better in the uk), appropriately maintaining the humidity, safe substrates, there’s lots of visual examples for everything, and a really handy diet link to check out!

Housing adult Russian and Hermans indoors

Hello there! In this thread I’m going to include some information an example of an appropriate indoor set up for an older Herman/russian. As much as it’s encouraged to have tortoises in a safe outdoor enclosure, I understand being from the uk myself, that some climates make it difficult to...

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This includes lots of inspiration for an adult set up both indoors and out! The indoor bit has some good ideas to tackle indoor space whilst still providing the needed roaming room! Check comments too, I’m always adding to it. I know the recommended adult size is intimidating to some, especially if you’ve been lead into thinking he’ll be fine in a smaller set up(very common) but tortoises long term health really does rely on lots of roaming room. If you’re unable to go that big, go as big as possible

Enclosure inspiration

Howdy folks! Hope everyone is well! As you all know, I’m a big fan of making threads that cater more towards visual learners like myself, I’ve really been wanting to create a thread full of adult enclosure inspiration for a while now, I’ve managed to find some great references over time! I do...

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This one here is good to go over and keep on hand, it’ll help you avoid the wrong bulbs, substrates, housing etc, I always encourage double checking purchases on the forum too before buying

Common keeping errors

Hello everyone! I’d been a long time lurker on this site long before joining just under a year ago now, over that time I’ve seen these husbandry issues come up time and time again, sometimes with dire consequences☹️ I thought this thread might serve as a good visual guide for these common...

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Hope they help!