Herman tortoise keeps falling on back HELPP!

[rosie20]

My 1 year old Herman loves to climb no matter what I put in there to prevent it she always finds a way to climb something but majority of the time she is on her back or face planting the floor. I'm so conscious because I don't want her to be left on her back when I've gone out someone please give some me advice! She also has enough soil to dig down in HELPPPP!!!

 

[christinaland128]

When my torts were young I put damp compact moss next to their log and any other place they might climb and tip. It served as an easy surface for climbing or a cushion for falling.

I also avoided taking them out to "roam" because I've heard they will pace and try to get out a lot once they acknowledge there's an outside world.

Good luck!

 

[stojanovski92113]

Hello, Maybe a pic of the enclosure will help us on ways to decrease this problem

 

[Pokeymeg]

What are you using for substrate?

 

[tortdad]

I have an 8 month old Cherryhead who was flipping himself on everything so now he lives in a boring enclosure until he gets bigger

 

[Iochroma]

Here is a video that might help you a little:
http://www.tortoiseforum.org/threads/young-t-hermanni-playing.107794/

Young tortoises have to learn how to flip and then right themselves. If the substrate is right, they won't have too much trouble with it. Beware of water dishes that do not have any texture though.

 

[rosie20]

We are using grass pellets as the vets said coco coir should be used for more exotic tortoises

 

[Iochroma]

We are using grass pellets as the vets said coco coir should be used for more exotic tortoises

Huh. Weird.
I don't know anyone who advocates "grass pellets" as a substrate. Something firmer would give the tortoise the ability to right itself.

 

[Heather H]

what are grass pellets? i have not seen them mentioned anywhere on the care sheets. but you know me just learning all of this. I use coco coir, soil and repti bark . and moss around the rock and in the hide.

 

[johnsonnboswell]

We are using grass pellets as the vets said coco coir should be used for more exotic tortoises

Your vet is mistaken and misinformed. That's as tactful as I can be on the subject.