Tortoise is very shy

[DimitriTheTort]

Hello, I am the proud owner of a male russian tortoise named Dimitri (age unknown) He is very shy and whenever he is picked up or touched he struggles a lot. He doesn’t like hanging out or being with me. He just gets in a corner and sits there until I pit him back up to his enclosure. Is this normal behavior for a tortoise or is he supposed to be more adventurous?

 

[144 Grandpa Turtle]

I don't see a pic of your tortoise! so it's hard to help much but if you are careful and genital every time you feed your tortoise pick it up, he will relate being picked up with feeding. cause now its instinct that whatever grabs him is trying to eat him!

 

[Maggie3fan]

Basically, turtles and tortoises are not domesticated like our dogs and cats...they still have wild instincts...and to your tort, you are a giant predator...he is never going to relate to you and play...be gentle with him, always holding him in a way so he doesn't feel so insecure. Be patient and soon he will recognize you as the food goddess and then your relationship with him may change...

 

[Anastasia 22]

Hello and welcome!
I believe every tortoise has its own personality. If your tortoise is wild caught then it will take time for him to adjust.
Just be patient and gentle with him.
My Russian boy loves when I put him on my stomach, he actually falls asleep while I gently rub his shell and legs.
My Russian girl still hates to be picked up (she was traumatized before I got her), but she likes to play "hide and touch my head ".
Tortoises are different, but you will learn how to make a great companionship with your boy.

 

[The_Four_Toed_Edward]

You can get him more used to you slowly, like others said. How long have you had him?

 

[Littleredfootbigredheart]

I wouldn’t let him roam outside of his enclosure, this can cause added stress, they are most comfortable in an environment that best mimics their natural habitat.

Feel free to check this thread out! this covers correct equipment(uvb, heating bulbs, lighting etc, stores often sell the wrong stuff so double check here), correct levels(double check these too), sizing(you can get away with smaller indoors if you can build a larger outdoor space when weather permits), appropriately maintaining the humidity, safe substrates, there’s lots of visual examples for everything, and a really handy diet link to check out!

Housing adult Russian and Hermans indoors

Hello there! In this thread I’m going to include some information an example of an appropriate indoor set up for an older Herman/russian. As much as it’s encouraged to have tortoises in a safe outdoor enclosure, I understand being from the uk myself, that some climates make it difficult to...

tortoiseforum.org

This includes lots of inspiration for an adult set up both indoors and out! The indoor bit has some good ideas to tackle indoor space whilst still providing the needed roaming room! Check comments too, I’m always adding to it. I know the recommended adult size is intimidating to some, especially if you’ve been lead into thinking he’ll be fine in a smaller set up(very common) but tortoises long term health really does rely on lots of roaming room. If you’re unable to go that big, go as big as you possibly can! This usually involves some minimal diy

Enclosure inspiration

Howdy folks! Hope everyone is well! As you all know, I’m a big fan of making threads that cater more towards visual learners like myself, I’ve really been wanting to create a thread full of adult enclosure inspiration for a while now, I’ve managed to find some great references over time! I do...

tortoiseforum.org

Lastly, this one here is probably most important to go over and keep on hand, it’ll help you avoid the wrong bulbs, substrates, housing etc, I always encourage double checking purchases on the forum too before buying

Common keeping errors

Hello everyone! I’d been a long time lurker on this site long before joining just under a year ago now, over that time I’ve seen these husbandry issues come up time and time again, sometimes with dire consequences☹️ I thought this thread might serve as a good visual guide for these common...

tortoiseforum.org

Really hope they help and you like them! Please ask any further questions once you give them a read, happy to break down any information where needed! Welcome to the forum!

 

[Sarah2020]

Tortoise hate change if the environment and you are new it will need time to adjust. I have had mine 5 years and still hates being picked up and struggles a lot bit is content in the indoor or outdoor enclosure. Read the docs shared to creat the best environment possible inc heat, light, soaks, diet, hydration, substrate and calcium. Over the years it will adjust and enjoy it's surrounding. Within the enclosure try to block end to end vision so it provides enrichment to explore etc...
Please share pics of tort and enclosure to help you with constructive feedback.

 

[DimitriTheTort]

I wouldn’t let him roam outside of his enclosure, this can cause added stress, they are most comfortable in an environment that best mimics their natural habitat.

Feel free to check this thread out! this covers correct equipment(uvb, heating bulbs, lighting etc, stores often sell the wrong stuff so double check here), correct levels(double check these too), sizing(you can get away with smaller indoors if you can build a larger outdoor space when weather permits), appropriately maintaining the humidity, safe substrates, there’s lots of visual examples for everything, and a really handy diet link to check out!

Housing adult Russian and Hermans indoors

Hello there! In this thread I’m going to include some information an example of an appropriate indoor set up for an older Herman/russian. As much as it’s encouraged to have tortoises in a safe outdoor enclosure, I understand being from the uk myself, that some climates make it difficult to...

tortoiseforum.org

This includes lots of inspiration for an adult set up both indoors and out! The indoor bit has some good ideas to tackle indoor space whilst still providing the needed roaming room! Check comments too, I’m always adding to it. I know the recommended adult size is intimidating to some, especially if you’ve been lead into thinking he’ll be fine in a smaller set up(very common) but tortoises long term health really does rely on lots of roaming room. If you’re unable to go that big, go as big as you possibly can! This usually involves some minimal diy

Enclosure inspiration

Howdy folks! Hope everyone is well! As you all know, I’m a big fan of making threads that cater more towards visual learners like myself, I’ve really been wanting to create a thread full of adult enclosure inspiration for a while now, I’ve managed to find some great references over time! I do...

tortoiseforum.org

Lastly, this one here is probably most important to go over and keep on hand, it’ll help you avoid the wrong bulbs, substrates, housing etc, I always encourage double checking purchases on the forum too before buying

Common keeping errors

Hello everyone! I’d been a long time lurker on this site long before joining just under a year ago now, over that time I’ve seen these husbandry issues come up time and time again, sometimes with dire consequences☹️ I thought this thread might serve as a good visual guide for these common...

tortoiseforum.org

Really hope they help and you like them! Please ask any further questions once you give them a read, happy to break down any information where needed! Welcome to the forum!

Thanks, that is very helpful.

 

[DimitriTheTort]

You can get him more used to you slowly, like others said. How long have you had him?

About 2 years.

 

[Littleredfootbigredheart]

Thanks, that is very helpful.

No problem at all