how can you train a sulcata tortise not to be so scared of you?

Answer 1

How big and what is the situation?

The correct question here is 'what are you doing to scare the poor thing?'

Understand that tortoises, like most other animals, are a mass of instinct that has helped them over millenia, and these instincts are not easily overcome.

They are terrified of giant things looming over them, and of claws coming from the sky- these are signs they are going to get eaten or attacked.

Try picking it up with more of a scooping motion and working at its side rather than overhead. Make sure you always support the feet so it does not feel like it is being carried by an eagle.

They sense vibrations better than noises. Tapping the area nearby if they may be asleep gives them some notice. In fact, you can easily train them to come for food by just tapping something before you put the food down. Once they get the hang of it, start not putting the food down until they come for the tap.

On the other hand, too much vibration or tapping (like on the walls of the tank), stresses them- it is like yelling in your ear.

Make sure the animal has a hidey hole- and respect that as much as possible- try to leave it alone when it is hiding.

It is also entirely possibly you are just over-handling it. Tortoises do best if left alone most of the time- they are nto a cuddly pet, especially when young.

Answer 2

Reptils need living free, they are scared of humans, etc, becouse they know they are not in their natural habitats...
They know people is the the only who can kill them with their
unknowledge and they know also they are not heir friends...
a friend care you, love you, protect you, do not leave you alone at bad times, in illness for example, ....
Please think about what I am talking about...
Reptils cannot live in houses...just God created them to live happy in their natural habit....
People who owns reptils must "read, study a lot , and visit vets ALWAYS ", to prevent it dies....
To love is to care ....
From Argentina...i only hope it was clear...
Thanxs to all and please, think about that.

Answer 3

Try hand feeding it its favourite veggie or fruit hold it few inches or feet pending its size away from mouth so it must approach you to get the treat

Answer 4

depending on how big it is, just hold it a couple minutes at a time, in its habitat. it needs to feel comfortable enough, dont just grab it out of the heat and excpect it to love you. it takes lots of time to get them to trust you. my babies just learned to trust me about a month ago, and ive had them for three.

Answer 5

Pet their heads everytime you see them. They may pull in at first but will get used to the feeling and your presence