What Can a Sulcata Tortoise Teach You?

The initial aspect you need to understand regarding Tortoises is that they are capable of embarking on a "tortoise frenzy". You never ascertain the exact cause. They simply become agitated by a certain matter. I recently invested 3 hours combating my tortoise.

Our Sulcata Tortoise Called Bump

Bump is a 15-year-old sulcata tortoise we saved from the LA Shelter. He currently tips the scales at 67 pounds.

Gator as a puppy and Bump as a younger smaller tortoise. He's huge now.

Today, Bump made the choice that he absolutely had to squeeze into the tinier cottage owned by our other tortoise. Bump is unable to pass through the entrance (created specifically to prevent him from tormenting the other tortoise).

He entered his front portion and became trapped. His extremely noisy groans caught our notice from within the house. We extricated him, necessitating a solid 20 minutes of exertion.

I assumed he wouldn't consider it worthy of a second attempt. Incorrect!

Therefore, I ventured out and attempted to divert his attention. I presented him with a scavenger hunt of delectable natural carrots and zucchini. He searched for 45 minutes, consumed them, and then resumed striking his head against the hut.

I experimented with flower petals in his dwelling, butternut pumpkin on a skewer, and a subsequent search for hidden treasures. Why is this turtle not fatigued yet?

A Clash of Determination Occurs

I'm starting to feel fatigued from the ongoing struggle. So I relocate the additional tortoise (who is trapped at the rear of the shack) to a different section of the premises. Surely an unoccupied shack wouldn't pose a risk of head injury? Unfortunately, I am mistaken once more. I hear some additional unpleasant noises and Bump has managed to squeeze half of his body into the shack. This time, it requires the assistance of two individuals to extract him.

I'm extremely frustrated at the moment to find a solution to this issue and becoming irritable. I retrieve the hose. You can't lift him and relocate him, so occasionally a small amount of water can alter his perception of a particular spot. However, it doesn't work this time! As he nears the hut, I lightly tap his nose. I can't believe it, but it seems like he has vapor escaping from his ears. He's determined to accomplish his goal.

Lesson Learned? Sometimes, it's more convenient to eliminate the temptation rather than instruct an animal to avoid certain behaviors.

Ultimately, I simply disassemble and relocate the cottage that is presently considerably ruined. Why did I not ponder over this two hours prior? What has this irate pig-headed creature, resembling a tortoise, just enlightened me about?

Occasionally, it is simpler to eliminate the allure rather than instruct a creature to refrain from performing a certain action.