Tortoises are among the most resilient creatures on Earth.
They possess a tough, rocklike shell that protects their delicate bodies from attacks by predators.
Can you imagine how a tortoise senses touch through its skin?
And can we touch tortoises
For example, dogs and cats love being stroked but what about the reptile kingdom and especially tortoises?
This is what we are going to discuss about today – Do tortoises like being touched?
Tortoises are members of the reptile family, along with snakes, iguanas, lizards, chameleons, and others.
The majority of these reptiles dislike being touched, which makes sense considering that their skin is covered with every type of germ imaginable.
But what about turtles, you might be wondering?
How do they handle it?
Do Tortoises like being touched?
It depends to be honest
Despite what you may have heard from movie producers, tortoises do not want human interaction.
They don’t mind it, though, in the majority of cases but overall they prefer not to be touched
Tortoises aren’t just cute pets; they provide hours of entertainment, but that also comes with a level of accountability.
It is important to remember, tortoises and turtles are not the same as cats and dogs in regards to pets
They are completely different
Don’t get me wrong, tortoises are amazing pets which is why lots of people keep them
But you have to behave with them differently
For example, handling a tortoise, you have to be careful
Let’s get into more detail in this article
Carry on reading!
How to touch a tortoise? (The right way!)
In order to avoid it biting you (because tortoise will bite!) what you need to do is softly touch it from the front as though it is blind to your presence.
Don’t rush to touch it; instead, move your hand slowly and gradually.
Take your time and be calm
When petting your tortoise, make sure they are lying flat on the ground so they may feel comfortable and secure.
The tortoise’s reaction should be carefully observed as you gradually rub the top of its head against the middle top.
Stop contacting the tortoise right away and interpret it as an indication that it does not like to be handled if it raises its head and opens its mouth.
Use your finger to stroke along the cheeks and under the chin if the tortoise does not snap when you place your hand on its head and appreciate the contact.
You can touch the tortoise’s neck and tend to it once it has gained your trust and is not defensive.
Tortoises can detect touch even through their shells, so do always remember that.
Tortoises love being near people, so if they feel comfortable around you, they’ll enjoy spending time together.
You can even let it crawl up to you or sit on your lap. This would definitely create a special bond between the two of you
What you shouldn’t do when touching a tortoise (Things to consider)
When handling a tortoise, avoid contact between the shell and any part of your body.
This includes fingers, elbows, knees, etc.
Tortoises aren’t harmful, although they can bite you if you provoke them.
Salmonella, which can make people sick if not properly wiped off, is present in their shell and skin.
Which is why you should use caution when handling a tortoise.
Furthermore, don’t expect a pet tortoise to like your touch right away simply because you have one.
Keep at it and allow it some time to get used to you to slowly create that special bond
Tortoise recognition takes a while.
The first interactions between humans and animals usually happen when they are young.
It can take years until these early relationships develop into trusting friendships.
A tortoise’s rough shell is what first draws your attention when you see one.
The bare legs, however, are vulnerable to injuries from improper handling and stroking.
Therefore, avoid picking them up whenever you can, and if you must, lay your arm under the plastron, which is at the back of the shell.
Tortoises are more likely to respond positively to being handled when they are warm.
They also tend to reflect in their shells, snap at you, or bite when they are cold.
Be sure that your tortoise isn’t feeling stressed or ill before touching him.
Does a tortoise shell respond to your stimuli?
The body’s ability to react and adapt to its environment in order to avoid harm is known as responsiveness to stimuli.
This procedure and the signaling that it involves are primarily carried out by nerves.
A tortoise can react when touched because its carapace is covered in nerves.
They are a living tissue that the tortoise uses to communicate when it senses pressure or pain, even though they might not be as sensitive as the skin.
As a result, although some turtles dislike being touched, others do.
You should cease touching the tortoise right away and try again later if it starts to run and hiss when you do.
Additionally, be careful not to hit, drop, or knock anything heavy on a tortoise because they can feel pain and pressure through their shells.
Your tortoise will undoubtedly like being stroked if you are patient.
Does a Tortoise love being touched? (Let’s find out!)
Being quiet creatures, tortoises can feel when their shell is touched, much to how humans can feel when someone rubs their head.
They really appreciate being scratched and rubbed.
They may extend their necks forward when you rub their necks, letting their owner know they enjoy the touch and they should carry on doing it!
Additionally, the tortoise will be more at ease when you touch it the longer you handle it.
It will trust you and appreciate being petted and cared for if you offer it the assurance that you won’t ever hurt or harm it.
Matt Evans, Director of Animal Care & Conservation at the Smithsonian National Zoo, explains –
“Tortoises prefer tactile sensations, rubbing, scratching and the related. If someone engages with them, take care that they rub their shell, scratch their head, and when one does that, they will look like they are enjoying every bit and interact with the person daily.”
Does a tortoise recognize the touch from their owners?
Tortoises may take some time to respond and become accustomed to you before they finally identify your hand because they do not immediately perceive touch.
If you speak to them in a quiet, friendly voice over time, they will grow accustomed to your voice, touch, smell, and demeanor.
Tortoises associate being tactful with obtaining food because they crave it as well as being safe.
As soon as they become accustomed to your touch, they will jump up and eagerly approach you whenever you approach in the hopes of receiving delicacies like broccoli, celery, or strawberries.
Do turtles’ bonds with your touch?
Despite the fact that they prefer their own company and do not form bonds with other tortoises, once they know their owner’s touch, tortoises have a good response.
Cats and dogs have an emotional reaction called ‘wagging’ when they see their owners coming towards them.
This is very much akin to tortoise behavior – they raise their heads high and puff out their necks when they hear footsteps approaching.
Tortoises connect it to food.
Many feel that a tortoise’s link with its owner is formed through food rather than touch.
However, that is untrue.
I’ll tell you why
Tortoises are very friendly creatures who enjoy being petted by humans.
They have been known to form strong bonds with their caregivers.
Frequently asked questions
Do tortoises enjoy having their shells scratched?
Your tortoise and you can develop a strong friendship by scratching.
The majority of tortoises adore having their shells, tails, and undershells rubbed.
There are some tortoises, though, that really detest being handled.
You know your tortoise better than anyone so you can make that judgement
Can tortoise feel their shell being touched?
They do, indeed.
The nerve endings on the shell’s surface that give tortoises the ability to feel touch are what allow them to feel the shell.
Do tortoises feel pain in their shells?
Tortoises can experience pain.
Tortoises experience pain when their shells are damaged or broken because they have nerve endings there.
Wrapping Up
The majority of tortoises enjoy being stroked, and they frequently smile when they see their owners.
In contrast, refrain from petting their heads if they exhibit signs of depression, such as retreating within their shells or banging them with their heads.
The tortoise will take some time to get used to your touch, but once it does, it will develop a link with your hand.
