Head Bobbing?

[nicoleneigel]

My Leo does this thing with her head and feet where she like pulses of something and it's constant and I was wondering if anybody else's torts do it too and if it's a healthy behavior or not

 

[christinaland128]

It sounds like your tortoise is breathing. They bob or bounce to pump air in and out since they don't have expandable ribcages. http://www.tortoiselibrary.com/basics-2/tortoise-anatomy/

 

[christinaland128]

Can you post a video?

 

[Jacqui]

Does sound like something you see quite often in the little guys and nothing to worry about. No bubbling, swollen eyes, active and eating correct?

 

[mini_max]

If it's always been there, no worries. If it's a change, maybe warm up temps and watch closely for any other symptoms of illness.

I find my Russian moves like that in a more pronounced way when he is under the weather. It usually goes along with his eyes being a touch puffy and being less active. I find warming up his enclosure to 80s all around, even at night, with a warmer basking spot, plus lots of warm soaks seems to get things back on track in about a week.

 

[Donna/Turbo]

Turbo does it all the time. I always say he is starting his engines before he takes off. You can see him breath in his throat the exact same as his motion.

 

[Tidgy's Dad]

Tidgy does it quite often too. I have seen many greek tortoises do it.
Never worried about it, though i have heard about the breathing bit.

 

[ZEROPILOT]

I've also seen Redfoot do it. Like after sleeping and right before they start to move/walk.
I like Donna/Turbos description. Spot on.