Tortoises are one of nature’s most conspicuous animals – large reptiles that carry massive shells that protect their sluggish bodies from damage from larger predators. But despite popular belief, a tortoise’s shell is much more than just a hard, rock-like structure around their body, and they can actually feel it when you touch them.
A tortoise’s shell obviously isn’t as sensitive as its skin, but the animals are able to feel the tactile sensations that occur when someone pats, rubs, scratches, or taps it. This has to do with how the shell is physically attached to the tortoise’s body.
One thing that tortoises and turtles have in common is their tendency to recede into their shells when they feel threatened. In the proper care, however, most tortoises appear to enjoy being touched by their caretakers. In some cases, they extend their necks out while being touched or massaged – a sign that the animal wants to be rubbed some more.
Related: How does the Galapagos giant tortoise know when it's time to migrate?
As it would appear, these animals are a lot more open-minded to being touched than many would think.
FAQs
In the proper care, however, most tortoises appear to enjoy being touched by their caretakers. In some cases, they extend their necks out while being touched or massaged – a sign that the animal wants to be rubbed some more.
Do tortoises like when you pet them? ›
Just like any other animal, tortoises will enjoy being touched in certain ways and so, will respond with happiness. Much as every dog owner knows just the right spot that their dog likes to be scratched in, so too will tortoise owners soon get to learn what their pets do and do not like.
Do tortoises like being around people? ›
There are many species of tortoises available for pets and some are more social than others. The sulcata and red foots will actively seek me out for attention, while the Russian tortoise is more shy.
Do tortoises need human interaction? ›
Human Interaction
This will largely depend on your tortoise's personality and if you have had them since they were a juvenile, however, some tortoises can enjoy interacting with their humans and will show positive social behaviours towards them.
Do tortoises like human attention? ›
A properly cared for tortoise will enjoy being a pet and it's not unknown for them to ask to have a chin scratch. All three of mine actually enjoy a large amount of food and free space. Even so if I'm there they do come and sit near me sometimes. They even ask for attention and petting.
What do tortoises love the most? ›
Tortoises are mainly herbivorous (plant eaters) They will eat leaves, flowers, and fruits of plants, and 90% of the diet should consist of a salad made up of a combination of the following greens: alfalfa sprouts, bean sprouts, beet greens, broccoli leaves, cabbage (outer green leaves), mustard greens, tofu, turnip ...
Do tortoises show affection? ›
Tortoises are affectionate creatures, and they readily recognise their owners. Plus, there is something comforting about knowing you are in the presence of a creature whose ancestors have roamed the earth for some 200 million years.
Where do tortoises like to be petted? ›
Pet its head, avoiding its eyes. If it lets you do this, try rubbing its cheeks and under its chin. Tortoises can also feel through their shells, so pet yours on its back with your fingers, running them back and forth along their shell or making circular motions.
Do tortoises get attached to their owners? ›
Although many people think that tortoises do not get attached to their owners, and there is not much evidence to show that they do, they can still get highly stressed if relocated.
How do tortoises like to be touched? ›
Some turtles and tortoises appear to enjoy having their back scratched, and they certainly enjoy treats. Apart from the back scratching perhaps, and some large tortoises seeming to like having their neck scratched, they aren't really fond of being touched, though. Being picked up or cuddled isn't their thing.
You can become friends of a sort with a tortoise turtle or terrapin. The main problem is that you and the tortoise have to build a diffrent sort of friendship than that for a dog or cat. Tortoises do enjoy chin scratches and sometimes will approach and ask for them. This is the tortoise version of being petted.
What makes a tortoise happy? ›
Tortoises love the sun and need at least 10-12 hours a day of exposure to sunlight, or artificial UVB light, as well as a basking spot. Unsupervised roaming outside of the enclosure. Direct contact with heating sources. Keep them away from cat and dog food, as well as insects, or toxic sprays.
How do you know if a tortoise is happy? ›
Interest in its environment. When a tortoise is happy and healthy, it will generally show a lot of interest in what's going on around it. It will move around its enclosure and be keen to investigate anything new introduced to the area.
Where do tortoises like to be touched? ›
Some turtles and tortoises appear to enjoy having their back scratched, and they certainly enjoy treats. Apart from the back scratching perhaps, and some large tortoises seeming to like having their neck scratched, they aren't really fond of being touched, though. Being picked up or cuddled isn't their thing.
How do tortoises show affection? ›
When it comes to interactions with humans, some reptiles do seem to enjoy their company. A tortoise that enjoys being petted might stick its neck out or close it eyes and become still and calm during the interaction. The same is true of lizards.
Can tortoises feel their shell being touched? ›
Tortoises and turtles feel their shell very well because there are nerves that lead back to their nervous system. They can feel their shell being stroked, scratched, tapped, or otherwise touched. Tortoise and turtle shells are also sensitive enough to feel pain.
