aggressive tortoise

[leanneb85]

My Russian tortoise has become a little aggressive lately if I am putting food down or cleaning his enclosure he runs at me and tries to bite my hand I don't hand feed him and he doesn't attack me when hes out of his enclosure. Is this a territorial thing? He's only 18 months old so thought it would be a little early to be displaying this kind of behaviour lol.

 

[naturalman91]

Do you or did you ever hand feed?

 

[leanneb85]

I only hand fed him a couple of times when I first had him to try and assure him I wasn't the enemy lol. I haven't hand fed him in months and he never bit me then . So just wondering why he start doing this now.

 

[dmmj]

This doesn't sound like a hand feeding problem, it sounds like a russian tortoise problem. LOL.
Sorry for laughing but stories like this do make me smile. So he attacks you when he is in his indoor enclosure, but not outside right? e prob. just realizrd he is a male, and is simply defending his territory. Will it stop perhaps, they usually realize sooner or later you are not a threat, or challenger.

 

[leanneb85]

I'm guessing he's a male I'm still unsure as he's so small. Hopefully it's just a phase for now. Then I'll have more aggression to look forward to when he reaches adulthood lol

 

[Tom]

Just keep your hand out of his way. Problem solved.

I think its really cool that you have such a bold, fearless, outgoing young tortoise. You can send him to me if you don't like this behavior. I think its great.

 

[leanneb85]

yes he is very bold Lol. It's nice he feels comfortable enough to try and attack me I suppose. He just did it again when I tried to dampen his Substate Cheeky little thing.

 

[mini_max]

I think that's a good sign that he's comfortable in his domain. You know, he doesn't want out, he wants you out! Better than the other way around!

 

[leanneb85]

yes he's very much in charge. He let's me know when he doesn't want to be bothered thats why I cherish every moment he comes over for a stroke as those times are so rare lol

 

[Tyanna]

My Russian male does this every time I put food onto his feeding slate. He tries ramming my hand and rushes on top of the food.

 

[dmmj]

Stories like this, is why I love Russians, I also would be willing to take him, if the need ever arises. He would prob. be a good breeder.