I am one majorly confused potential tortoise owner. I would like a tortoise - a small tortoise - for my classroom, but primarily as my own pet. Yes, I've done the necessary research and covered all the bases... I actually did my master's project on companion animals in the classroom.

One thing I cannot figure, however, is tortoise personality. I just read an article that described GTs as "puppylike personalities," and have heard all three described as "friendly." But... what on earth constitutes "friendly" in a tortoise?

I know a friend's Redfoot, Henry. When I stop in to chat with Henry, he turns towards me, walks over to the side of the enclosure, and starts pooching his neck in and out. I am thinking that means, "Hiya, Chris - glad to see you! Got a strawberry on you, by any chance?" I can deal with that... but I kinda also like to touch my pets, and while I know that bigtime handling and carrying of tortoises is a no-no, do they like to be gently stroked at all? Maybe around the head or neck, where it might occasionally be itchy?

Please... help me get a handle on personality. I've been a mammal person up to this point... rats, gerbils (link below), cats, dogs... and a non-mammalian personality is alien to me.

Thanks!

Chris
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