DOING THE TWIST

[LDRANCH]

Many times, when I scratch Charlie's backside, he swivels enthusiastically back and forth. I call it the tortoise shimmy - really cute. Has anyone else noticed this and what do you attribute it to?

 

[Yvonne G]

We've always called this the Hootchy Kootchy dance. Funny how many different species of turtle and tortoise take on this same dance.

 

[wellington]

My one male leopard Tatum does it all the time. Even when he's just walking under something that touches his back. Even the spray of water will make him do the hootchie kootchie

 

[dmmj]

I've always maintained that it is annoying to them . But I'm not a tortoise so I cannot say one way or the other

 

[Tom]

That is your tortoise telling you, its not a female, it doesn't want to breed with you, and telling you to "Back off man!!!"

Its similar to when you grab a male toad or frog around the waist with your thumb and forefinger, simulating amplexus, and they start croaking to let you know they are a male and they aren't into that...

 

[Big Charlie]

That is your tortoise telling you, its not a female, it doesn't want to breed with you, and telling you to "Back off man!!!"

Its similar to when you grab a male toad or frog around the waist with your thumb and forefinger, simulating amplexus, and they start croaking to let you know they are a male and they aren't into that...

I didn't realize that. I thought he was enjoying it.

 

[BrianWI]

I didn't realize that. I thought he was enjoying it.

NO MEANS NO!

 

[jay surfs]

Noticed my Sulca does that also, it was apparent to me immediately that he didnt like it when I rubbed/scratched his rear.

 

[Lyn W]

My leopard has only recently started doing this and I have caught him scratching himself and doing it on the end of his tort tunnel. Makes me smile everytime.
Is it just males that do this or do females do it too when they aren't ready to mate?

 

[Franklin'sMom]

I read somewhere that it was bc they itch and new shell growth can be itchy..? I see my sulcata rub on things in his habitat and sometimes when I take him outside he will rub against me as he walks by me lol

 

[Franklin'sMom]

https://www.facebook.com/jessica.wagner.988/posts/1181348161898890:0

 

[Maro2Bear]

Toooo funny. Our Sully does this too. He will eat abit, then cicle around wanting his back rubbed. Then, During the RUB, he scoots and shimmys all about.