Interacting with my tortoise?

[David Koshar]

I have a young Russian tortoise (he'll be about a year old in January) and I was just wondering, what are some good ways that I could interact with him a little more? I hand feed him quite a bit but are there any other ways that I can form more of a bond with him?

 

[Gillian M]

Hi @David Koshar and a warm welcome to the forum.

Unfortunately, these cute little animals do not give and take with us, unlike cats and dogs. Please keep in mind that they are reptiles, not mammals.

I for one hand feed Oli, and believe it or not he won't eat unless I hand feed him. However, I tried to train him to do/not to do certain things in the past, uselessly. It simply would not work.

Any pics of your tort and his enclosure?

 

[Blackdog1714]

I was just at Zoo Tampa and watched a huge male Galapagos Tortoise try to push his way through to large tree trunks to get food thrown in the pool. Apparently his does this often when he is focused on food and only goes around after a few good pushes. They are gorgeous, but stupid.

 

[ZEROPILOT]

Food....Just the way you are doing it.
Let them (him,her) know that seeing you means something good.
On the other hand, some tortoises are just more tolerant to begin with.
Best of luck to you