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Old 28-01-2013, 11:46 PM   #1
Lisa Ramos
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Default Juvenile Hermann's Rubbing Underside

Our 6-month-old Hermann's male tortoise (Gus) has begun rotating and rubbing his underside periodically, especially on his basking rock. (He shares a tortoise table with a Golden Greek of the same age and sex.) Gus acts completely normal other than this. He is eating vigorously, pooping, and active.

Is this a territorial issue or does it mean something could be wrong with him?

Many thanks!
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Old 30-01-2013, 01:09 PM   #2
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Well they do have funny habits sometimes but if he's eating well and behaving normally otherwise I wouldn't worry for now. Can you tell us where you got the tortoises please? If not British bred they may well need worming -just a thought.
Also some keepers think it's not a great idea to keep different species together longterm,owing to health issues with different viruses. If they are both males they will almost certainly fight for dominance later on, so you may need to think of separating sooner rather than later.
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Old 30-01-2013, 04:41 PM   #3
Lisa Ramos
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Thank you for your response and suggestions. We live in California, United States. How do I go about deworming? Is this something I need to see a veterinarian for?


Thanks again!
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Old 01-02-2013, 12:35 AM   #4
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Yes. Take a fresh sample of a recent poo from both and a vet will test and only worm if necessary. As you gain experience you may be able to do it yourself, as panacur is also made as granules to sprinkle on food.
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Old 01-02-2013, 10:11 AM   #5
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Hi Lisa, I agree with Shellonia, if Gus is eating well , pooping normally and peeing normally and active, I wouldn't worry too much. Get a vet to check for worms. And I would separate them, as they come from very different regions. Torts do have some funny habits, sometimes mine will go under a woody shrub like lavender and if it rubs on the back end of their shells , they wiggle their bottoms!!!! Not sure why. Would love to see some pictures of them.
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Old 01-02-2013, 02:05 PM   #6
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Lisa Ramos View Post
Our 6-month-old Hermann's male tortoise (Gus) has begun rotating and rubbing his underside periodically, especially on his basking rock. (He shares a tortoise table with a Golden Greek of the same age and sex.) Gus acts completely normal other than this. He is eating vigorously, pooping, and active.

Is this a territorial issue or does it mean something could be wrong with him?

Many thanks!
Lol sounds like he is pleasuring himself to me:0)
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Old 03-02-2013, 01:06 AM   #7
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They can do this trying to push things out the way. Perhaps he wants to shift the stone. Certainly they will wiggle their shells trying to get under low objects, especially impatient males.
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Old 03-02-2013, 01:08 PM   #8
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I worm my tortoises myself using Kusuri (think that's how it's spelt)

A lot of keepers now mix species if their housing requirements are the same.
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