Caring for a pet, like a dog or cat, you expect a level of affection. However, when you have a pet tortoise, a common question from non-tortoise people is, “but is a tortoise affectionate?” And as a tortoise owner, the response is often, “eh it’s not like having a pet dog, but tortoises can be affectionate in their own way.”
Sulcata tortoises learn the people who care for them. They become more trusting of the people around them. Less shy and timid. It takes longer to earn the trust from a tortoise when compared to a dog or cat, but it happens.
How Do Sulcata Tortoises Show Affection?
Tortoises may not come running when they see you. They may not jump up and down until you scratch behind their ear or beg to play fetch. However, a tortoise will likely walk up to you, at their own pace, and hang out with you. This shows the tortoise is comfortable around you.
Sulcatas may sit and graze in the area where you are. They may follow you around the yard, hoping for a treat. A sulcata tortoise may show affection by stretching its neck out for a neck rub. Or it may lean it’s shell into you.
Essentially, a sulcata that is comfortable around its owner and trusting of its owner will show affection by being interested in what its owner is doing or has. Likely hoping for a treat…
Sulcata Tortoises Show Emotions
Mammals show a lot of emotion in their facial expressions and eyes. Tortoises will show emotions in their actions and behaviors.
Sulcatas may show curiosity by poking around and nudging items and nibbling on new things.
They may show boredom or irritation by knocking things over, moving items, trying to climb out. Some keepers will try to minimize boredom by offering tortoise toys or moving around items in the enclosure. For adult sulcatas that free-range a yard or a large space, add plants, large water dishes or a kiddie pool, or set up new hiding places.
Sulcata tortoises may show anger or dominance by ramming or mounting you or another tortoise. Sulcata tortoises do best housed alone, however if you have multiple tortoises, they need a large living area with plenty of places to get away from the other tortoises.
They will show fear and unsurety by sucking into their shell.
A happy and content sulcata will often bask and stay in one spot with its head outstretched. Some may even have a preferred person and will go to that person. They’ll feel comfortable taking treats by hand and eating near their people.
Some sulcatas will “beg” for shell rubs. They’ll show they are enjoying the rub by shaking their booty. You know your sulcata likes you and is comfortable with you when this happens.
