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Odd leg movements

Grunngg Sep 04, 2006 08:31 PM

My job has two female red footed tortoises and randomly i'll see one of them standong still pumping their front legs back and forth. Does anyone here know what this behavior means? Thanks.
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Grunngg@yahoo.com

Replies (1)

unchikun Sep 05, 2006 09:07 AM

turtles and tortoises do not have a diaphragm muscle -- so when it's stimulated/excited/upset and breathing a little heavier that usual, you'll see those front legs pumping to accomodate the increased in-and-out air flow.

i wondered what that was all about at first, too! i feel as though i'm always learning something.

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