- Joined
- Mar 25, 2015
- Messages
- 37
Hi Everyone!
I have a redfoot named Chip, approximately 7-10 yrs old, over 10 lbs, and probably around 10-12" long.
I finally got most of Chip's new enclosure done. It is approximately 10' x 4'. Just needs some finishing touches. I bought some plants to add, but Chip likes to steamroll and destroy everything I put in there, so I have to figure out a way to secure them a little better. I have some plexiglass covers that are helping to keep humidity in, at around 70%.
My problem is that Chip doesn't seem to like his new digs. His old enclosure was roughly 6' x 3', and he seemed very cramped. He has room to move around in this one, but seems to always stay in one area of the enclosure. He has a hide in his new enclosure but doesn't use it. He still goes into the far corner where his hide was in his old enclosure. He used to move that hide all over the box. His new one is stationary.
I put a cute ceramic tortoise in with him just for decoration. Plus he likes to move things around, so I thought he could keep himself amused with it. Well, he definitely amused himself. I walked in to turn his lights off and he was clucking away. At first I thought he was choking, but upon closer observation, he had mounted the little ceramic tortoise. What transpired underneath him, I am not certain, but I can only guess. I suppose it was the tortoise version of an inflatable doll.
This was funny at first, but then I started to feel very bad for him. I feel like he is a lonely soul that needs companionship. I really do not have room to add another redfoot to his enclosure, or to build a bigger enclosure. Plus I have read that two males will fight and he will consistently mate with a female until he injures her, so a new addition doesn't sound like a good idea.
Any ideas on what to do to enrich Chip's life until he is able to go outside this summer? Hiding treats in his enclosure doesn't work. They tend to get smelly and moldy, so I quit trying that one. Even the mazuri pellets are still there after a few days.
Since his transition to his new box, he was active at first, but now seems to just sit and do nothing. His behavior is very different now. He does like to sit in his water bowl, and he still has a good appetite, but I am not seeing poop anywhere. Can he be eating his poop before I get there to clean it up? He does tend to feast on dog or deer poop when he is outside in the summer, so is it normal for him to eat his own poop? He also still tries to escape when possible. When I do let him out (in that room only), he spends his time chasing my feet around the room, biting at my shoes and ramming my feet.
I feel his behavior has definitely changed and I am feeling bad because I am not enjoying him as much as I used to because of it.
I am open for any suggestions that might help Chip's behavior.
Who wudda thought a tortoise can have behavior problems??????
I will take some photos of his new box and post them soon.
Thank you in advance for any insights on his weird behavior, as well as ideas on what to do to enrich his life.
I have a redfoot named Chip, approximately 7-10 yrs old, over 10 lbs, and probably around 10-12" long.
I finally got most of Chip's new enclosure done. It is approximately 10' x 4'. Just needs some finishing touches. I bought some plants to add, but Chip likes to steamroll and destroy everything I put in there, so I have to figure out a way to secure them a little better. I have some plexiglass covers that are helping to keep humidity in, at around 70%.
My problem is that Chip doesn't seem to like his new digs. His old enclosure was roughly 6' x 3', and he seemed very cramped. He has room to move around in this one, but seems to always stay in one area of the enclosure. He has a hide in his new enclosure but doesn't use it. He still goes into the far corner where his hide was in his old enclosure. He used to move that hide all over the box. His new one is stationary.
I put a cute ceramic tortoise in with him just for decoration. Plus he likes to move things around, so I thought he could keep himself amused with it. Well, he definitely amused himself. I walked in to turn his lights off and he was clucking away. At first I thought he was choking, but upon closer observation, he had mounted the little ceramic tortoise. What transpired underneath him, I am not certain, but I can only guess. I suppose it was the tortoise version of an inflatable doll.
This was funny at first, but then I started to feel very bad for him. I feel like he is a lonely soul that needs companionship. I really do not have room to add another redfoot to his enclosure, or to build a bigger enclosure. Plus I have read that two males will fight and he will consistently mate with a female until he injures her, so a new addition doesn't sound like a good idea.
Any ideas on what to do to enrich Chip's life until he is able to go outside this summer? Hiding treats in his enclosure doesn't work. They tend to get smelly and moldy, so I quit trying that one. Even the mazuri pellets are still there after a few days.
Since his transition to his new box, he was active at first, but now seems to just sit and do nothing. His behavior is very different now. He does like to sit in his water bowl, and he still has a good appetite, but I am not seeing poop anywhere. Can he be eating his poop before I get there to clean it up? He does tend to feast on dog or deer poop when he is outside in the summer, so is it normal for him to eat his own poop? He also still tries to escape when possible. When I do let him out (in that room only), he spends his time chasing my feet around the room, biting at my shoes and ramming my feet.
I feel his behavior has definitely changed and I am feeling bad because I am not enjoying him as much as I used to because of it.
I am open for any suggestions that might help Chip's behavior.
Who wudda thought a tortoise can have behavior problems??????
I will take some photos of his new box and post them soon.
Thank you in advance for any insights on his weird behavior, as well as ideas on what to do to enrich his life.