Hi All
I am new here and new to tortoises. I have always wanted one and we finally got one on Wednesday. I have 2 bearded dragons and a ball python so I know alot about lizards and snakes but not much about tortoises. I have done alot of research about diet, lighting and temperatures but its tortoise behaviour that I know nothing about.. So here is what I need help with. Since we got him a few days ago - he seems to move his arms back and forth at the same time - almost like he is pumping them and then at the same time he will yawn. My boyfriend thinks at times it looks like he is gasping - but to me it looks like a yawn. There is no obvious signs of him being sick - no runny eyes or nose, no wheezing or any sounds coming from him. He is eating really well. My beardie had a Respiratory Infection before so I have experience dealing with it. Is this normal or do we need to be worried? He is very small - we are not sure of his age but he weighs 50g. Oh - and I live in South Africa - its winter here but warm enough for him to be outside during the day.
I am new here and new to tortoises. I have always wanted one and we finally got one on Wednesday. I have 2 bearded dragons and a ball python so I know alot about lizards and snakes but not much about tortoises. I have done alot of research about diet, lighting and temperatures but its tortoise behaviour that I know nothing about.. So here is what I need help with. Since we got him a few days ago - he seems to move his arms back and forth at the same time - almost like he is pumping them and then at the same time he will yawn. My boyfriend thinks at times it looks like he is gasping - but to me it looks like a yawn. There is no obvious signs of him being sick - no runny eyes or nose, no wheezing or any sounds coming from him. He is eating really well. My beardie had a Respiratory Infection before so I have experience dealing with it. Is this normal or do we need to be worried? He is very small - we are not sure of his age but he weighs 50g. Oh - and I live in South Africa - its winter here but warm enough for him to be outside during the day.