Tortoise head pumping while sleeping

Joined
Jun 5, 2018
Messages
31
Location (City and/or State)
90039 (CA)
So our 26 year old desert tortoise has been doing a lot of head pumping in his sleep at night lately:

Video1
Video2

Anyone know what this is? Is this weather related (it's been hot lately)? Digestion? Breathing?
Aside from this behavior (that he's just started the last couple days) he seems perfectly healthy, no runny nose, walking around in the day, soaking, eating, peeing and pooping.
 

Tom

The Dog Trainer
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Jan 9, 2010
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Just looks like he's settling in.

Have you checked for ants or other small bugs? That could cause movement like that.

Something in his appearance tells me he's too dry. Have you soaked him lately? I'd be wetting the food and trying the puddle on the grass technique to get him to drink. Its been so hot the last few days...
 
Joined
Jun 5, 2018
Messages
31
Location (City and/or State)
90039 (CA)
Thanks! Looks most likely like ants. Cleaned out his hut. Hopefully they stay away! Getting some diatomaceous earth as well.

We've been giving him soaks with all the heat lately, though he's usually pretty good at soaking drinking on his own as well.
 
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