Reptile & Amphibian Forums

Hey everyone, I have a 2 1/2 yr. old male sulcata. I built a cage for him. It's huge and perfectly set up. He doesn't want for anything. I've carefully researched his dietary needs. He has all proper lighting, plenty of space, open door policy, soaking pool which he soaks in warm water about 1/2 hour per day.

A few months ago, I started dating someone. Hadn't dated in 3 years-whole time I had Ozzy (tortoise). Before this, he had slept with me at night, makes his little- umh, umh, umh-talking noises, comes when I call him and spends most of his time out of his cage. I stayed a couple evenings at my boyfriends house. Although I was with Ozzy most of the day, a huge problem started.

Although now I no longer date the man, since this Ozzy doesn't eat very much. When I pick him up, he pees on me. I put down a trash bag with a towel over it to take him to bed with me but he still pees, no longer makes his talking noises and goes immediately in his shell when I go near him. He stays in his burrowing area of his cage almost constantly now. Even if I take him out- he goes right back in.

I don't know what to do. He's totally depressed. I tried buying a huge tupperware container and filling it with alfalfa pellets so he could play and burrow but he hates it. I've also thought about getting him a companion. I know two males together fight. I'm hoping someone can give me some insight on bringing a female in with him. Any other suggestions anyone might have would be super helpful. I don't know what to do and I feel terribly bad.

This an a odd problem and it is likely that you've added a bit of anthropolymorphism (is that the spelling) and are thus seeing the problem with a bit of bias hiding it's true nature.

If this tort is truely acting like this because it misses you, it would be an exception, yet we cannot rule this out as a possibility.?. I would perhaps advise reassessing the husbandry, and any changes that may have occurred in the last little while. Keep in mind that tortoises out of the enclosure the majority of the time are often kept too cool. (ie, sleeping with you). Of course this all depends on the house temps and such. Perhaps having an outsider inspect your practices will give you a new point of view.

Besides this suggestion, perhaps give things time. I wouldn't jump into getting a female tortoise. Sulcatas have large enough needs, and room and board for two large tanks is twice as difficult as for one.

Ian

n/p