Horsefield advice needed

[George'sOwner]

Hi, So glad to find this forum and hoping someone can help. We have a horsefield who is male and 7 years old. He has recently (The past 9-10 days) been digging at the sides of his enclosure. The sides are not see through but he is doing it from first thing in the morning till when we turn his lights off around 9pm and even then he will carry on. He does stop for about half hour here and there but he is digging at the sides more than basking. He is not showing any signs of stress from what I know and he is eating ok. Anyone have any ideas what could be causing this as we are very worried about him. Thanks

 

[Yvonne G]

Indoor tortoises...gotta' love 'em! Just like an indoor tortoise can tell when its time to hibernate, so can he tell when its time to be walking around outside looking for all that abundant food that comes with Spring time.

The Russian tortoise is hardwired to do a lot of walking and eating. Because he is awake for such a short period of time (usually 3 months) in the real world, he has to make the best of it and eat as much as he can during this period.

So your tortoise wants to get outside and start scarfing down. Maybe try feeding him a bit more, and place it in several different spots in the habitat.

 

[George'sOwner]

We're in the UK so a bit too cold for him to go outside right now. We let him walk around the house in the evenings once the children are sleeping. Will try feeding him more. It's just so distressing seeing and heading him all day, We have had him since he was a baby and he has never been like this. Thanks for taking time to reply. All help is very much appreciated

 

[Yvonne G]

Another thing to consider is his age. He's coming of age and might be getting restless to find a female.

 

[George'sOwner]

Another thing to consider is his age. He's coming of age and might be getting restless to find a female.

That is what my husband thought he was doing. How long will he be like this for if that is the case?