My new hatchling won’t hide

Esnturtles

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I just got my new hatchling today and he’s doing great he’s eating and active, I caught him basking, but he won’t hide and I don’t know if that normal or if it’s because he doesn’t like the hides I have. I’m just used to having tortoises maybe explore a bit but go into hiding soon after, is there something wrong?
 

nicoleann2214

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I just got my new hatchling today and he’s doing great he’s eating and active, I caught him basking, but he won’t hide and I don’t know if that normal or if it’s because he doesn’t like the hides I have. I’m just used to having tortoises maybe explore a bit but go into hiding soon after, is there something wrong?
Can you show us your enclosure
 

nicoleann2214

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I just got my new hatchling today and he’s doing great he’s eating and active, I caught him basking, but he won’t hide and I don’t know if that normal or if it’s because he doesn’t like the hides I have. I’m just used to having tortoises maybe explore a bit but go into hiding soon after, is there something wrong?
He needs time to adjust to his enclosure as well
 
L

LasTortugasNinja

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If he's captive born, he might not have as strong of an instinct to hide as a wild caught specimen. I've had CB monitors that were out and about, resting in the open... and wild caught that were skittish, hiding if people were near, and would bask UNDER the branch in the basking light instead of on it. They were used to hiding, and saw people as a threat. The captive born had no concept of "bad people".

Could also be that tort's personality. Maybe he's just bold or inquisitive about the new surroundings. So many factors. Just be chill and watch. You've got the rest of your life to figure him out. :)
 

method89

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When i first got my hatchling he didn't hide for a few days. I think they are bewildered by the whole shipping process and don't known where to hide. Give him a couple of days... He'll hide and then you will post that " I cant find my tort" and want to rip up your enclosure in order to find him. They have no idea the stress they cause!?
 

Maro2Bear

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It might help to upload a pix or two of your tort’s enclosure & hide. Maybe the hide is too large or small or wrong temp or too bright. Lots of reasons, but it’s not the end of the world. It prob feels safe.
 

turtlebean

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Mine never liked his hide.. has a fav corner he dug a lil hole that he sleeps in since he was a baby( the whole is a lot bigger now ) lol
Mine does this same thing! He used his hide for the first week or so and since then he digs a little hole in the same spot everyday and sleeps there. So cute!!:)
 

Tom

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I just got my new hatchling today and he’s doing great he’s eating and active, I caught him basking, but he won’t hide and I don’t know if that normal or if it’s because he doesn’t like the hides I have. I’m just used to having tortoises maybe explore a bit but go into hiding soon after, is there something wrong?
What species?

If its a sulcata, they avoid any type of hole in the ground. My best guess is that they instinctively wish to avoid whatever tortoise eating African animal made the hole and is waiting in it for them. In time they realize there are no torts eating monsters in those particular holes, and then they will start to use their hides.

I like to put them inside their hides an hour or two after dark. Usually, they will stay in them until day break. Some of them get over this faster than others. I don't see this problem with other burrowing species like Russian or desert tortoises. Both of those readily use any hole they see.
 

Srmcclure

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What species?

If its a sulcata, they avoid any type of hole in the ground. My best guess is that they instinctively wish to avoid whatever tortoise eating African animal made the hole and is waiting in it for them. In time they realize there are no torts eating monsters in those particular holes, and then they will start to use their hides.

I like to put them inside their hides an hour or two after dark. Usually, they will stay in them until day break. Some of them get over this faster than others. I don't see this problem with other burrowing species like Russian or desert tortoises. Both of those readily use any hole they see.
That makes a lot of sense. So many different animals use those burrows, you never know which one will pop out. Some you don't even think about lol. Mine really likes to hide by his plants which I'm sure feels more natural for him.

I put mine in there at night but he will sneak out 7 times out of 10 lol. At this point all my temps and humidity are good so I just throw my hands up in the air and say fine, be that way lol.
 

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