Tortoise Behavior

[jennanne]

I have had my redfoot for ten years now. I love her and I think she loves me...I was wondering what it means when they move their front legs back and forth. I always assumed it meant she was happy because she does it when she is eating her favorite foods or when I pet her head or when she's warm. Is this a positive message coming from her???

 

[tort_luv_5055]

It's them breathing. They have to pump their arms and legs to push oxygen into their lungs. When something exciting happens, (new food, a pet, warmth) they DO get excited. This causes them to breathe heavily. Usually we can't even notice the pumping. But if something exciting happens, they do it rapidly and its much more obvious.

 

[jennanne]

Aww so she gets excited to see me [SMILING FACE WITH SMILING EYES] thank you!!

 

[Madkins007]

The brain structure of reptiles is pretty basic, and we don't know what emotions they really experience but there is every reason to believe that they recognize the overall look and smell of the person who takes care of them, and most importantly, feeds them.