Darwin's Biting Problem

[Berell]

Meet Darwin He's a very happy Aldabran of a little over a year. He's about 10 inches long and 4 pounds and has an extremely healthy appetite. I've been varying Darwin's diet heavily yet keeping the core component of his diet Romain Lettuce, Mustard Greens, Collard Greens and Green Beans.

Recently he has became much more sociable and I have started work on training him and spending more time touching him. He no longer seems overly shy and seems to like the attention at least sparingly.

Over the last week I have on three occasions witnessed Darwin Bite his own shell. I've not been able to find any information on this behavior in these threads. Is this natural behavior for an Aldabran? Is this something that needs to be stopped? What is your guy's experience?

I've long enjoyed advice and information within these threads but this is my first time posting. Thanks in advanced for the Help,
Berell

 

[Yvonne G]

Hi Berell, and welcome to the Forum!!

I have never witnessed this in my two Aldabran tortoises, and I've had them from hatchlings for 13 years. But I think you would be better off if you add some substrate over the top of that tile. I see the mister, which provides humidity, however your tortoise is pyramiding (just like mine did) and it may be from being on the dry tiles.

Have you given the tortoise a real close inspection to make sure he doesn't have mites or ticks?

 

[luvpetz27]

Hi and welcome to
the forum!!

 

[Berell]

Hi Berell, and welcome to the Forum!!

I have never witnessed this in my two Aldabran tortoises, and I've had them from hatchlings for 13 years. But I think you would be better off if you add some substrate over the top of that tile. I see the mister, which provides humidity, however your tortoise is pyramiding (just like mine did) and it may be from being on the dry tiles.

Have you given the tortoise a real close inspection to make sure he doesn't have mites or ticks?

I moved him into this larger enclosure about a week ago, In his original enclosure that I had reptile carpet covered with moss and I am planning on doing similar in this new enclosure.

I run the mister about 6 hours a day and give Darwin a 45 minute bath every day, to add more moisture for his shell, but nothing has worked 100%.

As far as parasites I think it's extremely unlikely, Like I said previously he has become fairly social with me over the last few months and I've been able to inspect him pretty easily lately.