I acquired my male Horsefield Tortoise 2 months ago. I recently bought a female, aged 16 months. They are next to each other but in individual enclosures. Today my boy was stomping around getting in and out of his pool. I hand fed him, Aloe Vera, which he loves, but later on he charged at me and bit my finger, then my stomach. He's never behaved this way prior to today. He is a placid, friendly and despite having a rubbish start to life, he's doing well. Is this because of the female presence? He's seen her and sniffed her, but didn't attempt to hurt her.
Russian Tortoise, male, 4 yrs old, biting
- Thread starter Pote
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So i have to ask, how does a Russian tortoise bite your stomach? 🤷♂️
Probably “charging” is either defending territory or is hungry and snapping/biting & looking for more.
Make sure you keep them separated all of the time.
Probably “charging” is either defending territory or is hungry and snapping/biting & looking for more.
Make sure you keep them separated all of the time.
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Russian tortoises are usually on the scrappy side to begin with. And he can definitely smell her nearby. He sees her as an intruder/threat to his territory and his food and he may also want to mate with her.
Either way, his behavior may or may not settle down with another tortoise nearby.
Either way, his behavior may or may not settle down with another tortoise nearby.
That is normal Russian behavior. They are territorial and aggressive.
The tortoise should never be loose on the floor and it shouldn't ever be in a position to reach your stomach. If you keep your fingers away from the tortoise's mouth, it won't be able to bite your hands either.
Also, you can't sex a Russian at 16 months. All of them look female as juveniles.
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