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Old 25-02-2017, 12:01 PM   #1
Pebblesandgeorge
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Default Tortoises don't seem happy in new table

We have 2 Herman tortoises - 2 years old.

We were sold a vivarium for them when we bought them last year. We moved then into a table last week.

We have noticed they seem to spend most of the time hiding in the cold areas away from any heat. They are eating much less and don't seem to want to move much. We have noticed them 'fighting' occasionallytoo in the last week which we havr not seen before.

They have a uv/heat bulb which gives hot spot of 32 degrees + and cold areas go down to around 18 degrees.

Does anyone have any suggestions on why this is? They seemed much happier in their vivarium.
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Old 25-02-2017, 01:54 PM   #2
Suze65
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This sounds like very normal behaviour when tortoises move into a new environment. Tortoises don't like change, and it can take a few weeks for them to get used to a new home, they might not eat for a while or show much interest in the new table. They can survive for a few weeks of not eating, but hydration is very important, so I would give them daily warm baths, and keep offering food, may be a bit of naughty food, do they have a favourite? Give them time.
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Old 25-02-2017, 04:23 PM   #3
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They probably felt warmer in the vivarium where do you keep your table as your background heat seems a bit low? They always take time to settle into new environments. When you say they are fighting what do you mean they are biting each other or mounting as it might just be a dominance thing?
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Old 25-02-2017, 06:45 PM   #4
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I agree with Mary, your ambient temps need to be more like 25c.

Hermans males will fight to decide who is alpha male.
And of course males will try to mate females.
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Old 27-02-2017, 06:40 PM   #5
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Thank you for the advice.

The table is kept in our bedroom, I will ensure the temperature stays up.

I'm not sure if they were fighting now or whether we caught them at the wrong time yawning in each others face or just dominance type thing. They do seem a little happier in the last few days I'd say.
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Old 01-03-2017, 05:14 PM   #6
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Pebblesandgeorge View Post
Thank you for the advice.

The table is kept in our bedroom, I will ensure the temperature stays up.

I'm not sure if they were fighting now or whether we caught them at the wrong time yawning in each others face or just dominance type thing. They do seem a little happier in the last few days I'd say.
That's good news, they might be displaying some dominance over the new environment, it does take time for them to settle in to new environments .
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Old 04-03-2017, 03:12 PM   #7
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Bear with it ! tortoise tables are far better than vivariums for tortoises (most species) and should be easier to maintain. My lot hate anything which penns them in. they would rather be in a howling gale with stair rod rain...(they told me so) so it isn't surprising them may bash around a bit until they settle, CB
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