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what are the rules,shall we say, for handling the tortoises? The one we are getting is for my son and I want him to do the right type of handling.
tortoise handling
- Thread starter scottishscott
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It depends on size, age, species, and how bred. What Tortoise do you have and how big? Who was the breeder? And how old is your son?
Is there really a rule for handling? First thing is your new purchased tort needs to be quite familiar with either you or your son, so I think might not be a good idea to handle it too much when you just have it. Once per day during soaking time is what I do when I first have mine.
Since you only buy him a baby sulcata, then he just needs to hold them by their carapace gently (as torts can feel pressure through their shells), don't turn them upside down if you don't need too (I do that just to check the carapace and plastron condition), and never handle them by holding their feet or tails.
Another thing I remember is that tortoise hates sudden movement, but I think this depends on the torts characters, which might be different for each species, as some seem more reactive to fast movement.
Last thing is to always ask him to wash his hands thoroughly with soap for salmonella's precaution after handling.
Since you only buy him a baby sulcata, then he just needs to hold them by their carapace gently (as torts can feel pressure through their shells), don't turn them upside down if you don't need too (I do that just to check the carapace and plastron condition), and never handle them by holding their feet or tails.
Another thing I remember is that tortoise hates sudden movement, but I think this depends on the torts characters, which might be different for each species, as some seem more reactive to fast movement.
Last thing is to always ask him to wash his hands thoroughly with soap for salmonella's precaution after handling.
I agree to limit handling at first to daily soaks until they feel adjusted to their new home, about a week or so. Then when they don't seem so shy, handle. If they seem to not like it, handle less, if it doesn't seem to bother them, handle more. I also feel touching legs and head is a good thing incase you ever have to handle these areas for meds or emergency situations, it will be easier to do.
Washing hands before and after is my recommendation. Also, I don't really like to "handle" them. I tend to just let him crawl around for a bit while i'm cleaning his enclosure but make sure the area is secure. I have a small atrium built onto the back of my house where I keep my reptiles and there's nothing that he can get into.
If I do have to carry mine somewhere like to his outdoor enclosure I place him in a small plastic shoebox in an effort to avoid any posiibility of having him wiggle out of my hands.
If I do have to carry mine somewhere like to his outdoor enclosure I place him in a small plastic shoebox in an effort to avoid any posiibility of having him wiggle out of my hands.
- Joined
- Oct 27, 2012
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Thank you all. I don't plan on letting him handle him to much,especially,right when we get him/her. I will let him put him/her in to soak and get in the habit of good husbandry. Before long I'll have him on here asking questions. At least he will learn something on here instead of playing video games and watching youtube.
Here is my suggestion, I would have him start by just talking to the tort at first to let the tort get familiar with his voice. Pet him in the soak. And slowly progress. Over time they may bond pretty well. I don't know how old your son is, but my grandson was by for a visit and my sulcata was scared. Due to the fast movements and loud noises..
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