Sudden burrowing behavior

[Karabear95]

My sulcata tortoise sunshine has recently started to dig and burrow. He is about a year old, & about a week ago I changed his enclosure to a slightly bigger one so I’m worried the change has stressed him. All of my temps have been the same as well as humidity. He is eating, drinking and soaking as normal. Could there be other factors to his burrowing and digging that I don’t know? Thank you

 

[lynnefay]

i have always heard that they love to dig burrows. maybe his new enclosure size is giving him the space to do it

 

[Karabear95]

also I know that burrowing and digging is normal, he has just been doing it more Recently since the change and it is concerning me. It has been a little bit cooler at night than it used to be, for example his terrarium used to sit at 85 at night and now it is sometimes 75-80 because it is not as enclosed as his other one was.

 

[TammyJ]

If the temperature has cooled and he is suddenly burrowing, then I would tend to assume a connection. I don't think the temp should be below 80 at any time.

 

[lynnefay]

my three russians are in three different enclosures. all the same conditions. some days one or two will burrow in and sleep the day away. no rhyme or reason. the next day they are fine. i think as long as your tortoise is doing everything else in a healthy way, i wouldn't worry. he could just be exploring. but if your humidity dropped, they may be burrowing to maintain moisture.

 

[Tom]

also I know that burrowing and digging is normal, he has just been doing it more Recently since the change and it is concerning me. It has been a little bit cooler at night than it used to be, for example his terrarium used to sit at 85 at night and now it is sometimes 75-80 because it is not as enclosed as his other one was.

There are your two problems: 1. Cooler temps. 2. Open topped enclosure.

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