My Tortoise Stays in His Burrow For a While

[Buddybenj]

I just got a baby Russian tortoise today. He digs burrows and stays there instead of going into his hiding place. Will he suffocate or get hurt? I took him out once because I got worried but he went back in a few minutes later. I'm sure he's fine but I just want to double check with you guys.

In the attached picture, the tortoise is under the substrate and sphagnum moss.

 

[Tidgy's Dad]

Not a worry.
First day in a new home, he will be terrified he's going to get eaten , that you may be a predator, that he may be on something else's territory and that something might be living in his hides. He'll soon get to know you are the food god and come out and explore what he will come to realize is his territory now.
He won't suffocate or get hurt, he's just acting naturally and hiding.
Russian's are great burrowers (and climbers) anyway.
(assuming your set up's right, of course).

 

[Speedy-1]

He just needs a little time to get used to his new home !

 

[Tidgy's Dad]

He just needs a little time to get used to his new home !

I was the same when I moved into my house.
Spent 4 days hiding in the wardrobe.

 

[Speedy-1]

I was the same when I moved into my house.
Spent 4 days hiding in the wardrobe.

 

[Gillian M]

I just got a baby Russian tortoise today. He digs burrows and stays there instead of going into his hiding place. Will he suffocate or get hurt? I took him out once because I got worried but he went back in a few minutes later. I'm sure he's fine but I just want to double check with you guys.

In the attached picture, the tortoise is under the substrate and sphagnum moss.

A very warm welcome to the forum.

No need to worry: torts do not like change and take time to adapt.