Mirrors in Tortoise Tables?? :P (and other ways of making it interesting)

[em7070]

I've seen some people put little mirrors in their tortoise tables; do torties find these interesting then (their reflection)?

Any other ideas to keep tortoises interested in their tables?

Thank you

[Alan1]

I would think they would get stressed with a mirror in there. they are quite easily stressed and that can bring on illness

[em7070]

Well that's what I thought because thats part of the reason vivs are bad for torts, but I'd seen some pictures on here with people putting hand held mirrors in their tables so thought i'd ask the question. Thanks for answering

[yuna1971]

I dont have mirrors in Lilys enclosure but he does catch his reflection in other things, now and again. I think he thinks it is another tort and sometimes will butt, other times he will just mooch away...
(in my opinion) I dont think it stresses them. If light was shining on a water bowl with water in it, or (if water in the wild) would they not catch their reflection in that? Or even seeing their own shadow??
Just wondering...

[em7070]

OK, I think I'm going to scrap the mirror idea, I don't want to upset my little tortie! Thanks

[yuna1971]

Might be best for now Em, but just keep an eye and see how torty reacts if he comes across his reflection in something else. Would be interesting to see what he thinks!

[em7070]

I will indeed! I've got lots of things for him/her to explore! Pick my little baby up tomorrow, can't wait!!

[Beverley]

Glad you are not using the mirror it would be a waste of money you can make it interesting without it, use plants and rocks etc but not under your heat source