“My tortoise keeps trying to climb the walls” often alarmed people that their tortoise is unhappy or unwell. A tortoise may feel upset due to a lack of room and attempt to flee the enclosure. If the tortoise enclosure is too tiny, they may try to escape; yet, if the enclosure is large enough, it might be normal behavior. Climbing is a favorite pastime of species like the Russian tortoise.
So, the fast response is a little vague, and a closer examination of what could be motivating your tortoise to climb the walls is required.
Can Tortoises Climb? Do Tortoises Like To Climb?
Do tortoises have the ability to climb? Yes, it is correct. When dealing with a turtle, keep in mind that you’re dealing with an accomplished climber. This pet has the ability to climb trees, fences, and walls. These pets are known to dig and hide deep in the earth, in addition to climbing.
Tortoises are capable of climbing. This may come as a shock at times. That’s because we’ve been taught to think of them as sluggish, lethargic, and uninspired creatures. As a result, the sight of a tortoise ascending might be startling to someone who has never seen one before.
It’s crucial to keep in mind that tortoises are wild creatures. They frequently find themselves in circumstances in the wild where they must climb if they are to survive and prosper. As a result, they’ve developed exceptional climbing ability.
Tortoises not only have the capacity to climb, but they also like it. They differ from other animals in that they have the ability to climb but rarely employ it.
Climbing appears to be a very pleasurable sport for tortoises. Some tortoise owners have reported that their animals spend nearly all of their time attempting to climb onto things.
What Can Tortoise Climb?
Tortoises are great climbers, as previously stated, and can scale any rough surface with a small gradient.
Can Tortoises Climb Fences?
To some, the concept that tortoises can scale near vertical surfaces and maybe even escape from the four walls that make up their habitat may sound absurd, yet there is some truth to it. So, smooth walls are almost probably not a good idea, but wire fences may be.Tortoises will only climb a few inches up the fence if the ground is level. The tortoise, on the other hand, can readily mount the whole height provided there are enough handholds, such as with chain-link fence.
Can Tortoises Climb Down Stairs?
Unless the steps are slightly slanted, most little tortoises have trouble climbing down them.
Tortoises can descend stairs, but not gracefully. They don’t so much climb down the stairs as fall down them, which may be highly dangerous.
Can Tortoises Climb Ramps?
Tortoises can readily mount ramps because they have an inclination that allows them to ascend. As a result, ramps are frequently used as a form of enrichment in tortoise cages.
Can Tortoises Climb Walls?
To some, the concept that tortoises can scale near vertical surfaces and maybe even escape from the four walls that make up their habitat may sound absurd, yet there is some truth to it. So, smooth walls are almost probably not a good idea, but wire fences may be.
Tortoises are unable to ascend most walls because they are sheer and smooth. The tortoise, on the other hand, can climb the wall if it is partially made of mesh and another supporting material.
Why Does My Tortoise Keep Climbing The Wall
All kinds of wild tortoises like climbing, thus you’ll see them scaling anything in their surroundings for pleasure or survival.
The following are the primary motivations for climbing:
1. Navigating Their Environment
Natural terrain is seldom flat, making it ideal for walking. Tortoises therefore climb to travel over rocks, past vegetation, and over land dips.
Tortoises confront challenges whether they live in a desert or a tropical area. They must overcome these obstacles in order to forage, obtain water, and discover burrowing sites. A tortoise wouldn’t be able to survive if it couldn’t climb over obstacles or move up hills.
2. Your Tortoise Enclosure Too Small
The first thing you should check is that your tortoise’s enclosure is not too tiny. The explanation for this is that wall climbing is a stress response rather than a natural behavior feature. Tortoises that are stressed might develop health problems and eventually die.
Many people purchase a tortoise bundle that includes everything you’ll need to get started with turtle care. While they can be useful, the enclosures are frequently tiny and only suited for newborn tortoises.
As your tortoise develops, you’ll want to upgrade to a larger cage that’s more appropriate for a larger tortoise. The side walls will also need to be about 12″ taller than your tortoise’s hind legs while they’re standing.
Unfortunately, many people do not conduct adequate research prior to purchasing a tortoise. That cute tiny animal you see now will develop, and in certain circumstances may grow extremely large, necessitating a very large cage.
Because of its modest size, individuals frequently prefer the Russian or Hermann tortoise. As a result, there is no need for such a large enclosure.
3. Your Tortoise Enclosure Made of Glass
Many people feel that our turtle would thrive in a glass aquarium. It’s also possible that we humans would want to be able to see our tortoise more easily. A tortoise, on the other hand, has no concept of glass. It causes them to be perplexed and stressed since they are unable to reach the location that they can see.
Tortoises have amazing eyesight and move a lot, so seeing a large, open area that they can’t get to because of the glass is stressful for them. A wooden cage is ideal for tortoises since it prevents them from being disoriented.
If you’re buying a tortoise from someone who keeps it in a class tank, don’t buy it. What else is wrong with their tortoise’s care if they’re treating it like this?
4. Searching For A New Environment
Tortoises are clever creatures who are aware of change, thus a new habitat might be perplexing. In this situation, though, if the cage size is correct and there is no glass, your turtle will most likely settle in.
The tortoise’s natural settle-in process is just him or her acclimating to his or her new environment. When I get a new tortoise, I go through a period of pacing and climbing walls nonstop for around 3-6 weeks.
If your tortoise is exhibiting these characteristics in a new setting, don’t be concerned. Simply make sure you have the proper cage, and they will ultimately adjust to their new surroundings.
5. Unfamiliar Environment
A baby tortoise may display strange behavior, like climbing walls continuously.
This indicates that the tortoise is uncomfortable in its surroundings and is climbing to get back home. This is, however, a normal reaction, and the tortoise will normally adjust to its new surroundings.
6. Mating Season
While tortoises are solitary reptiles who are content to be alone, the desire to locate a mate can lead to a variety of behavioral behaviors.
When tortoises are hunting for a partner, one of the most typical habits they exhibit is pacing. This can also lead to your tortoise climbing and clawing at the walls, which is quite normal as they release their pent-up irritation.
From the time they emerge from hibernation in the spring until the middle of summer, tortoises will have marting desires. If your turtle begins to pace and climb at this period, it is most likely because to the mating desire.
When your slow-moving, normally gentle tortoise begins to charge up and down the enclosure, it might be startling. While it may seem alarming at first, your tortoise is not bothered by these desires and is just working them off.
Including anything in your tortoise’s habitat that they can safely climb over can also help them release pent-up fury.
Final thoughts
Furthermore, because they can climb, they can get out of what their owners consider to be ‘safe’ cages. As a result, when constructing a tortoise cage, keep in mind that it is for an animal capable of getting out.