Could my tortoise be blind?

Question

I have two spur-thighed tortoises that I have had for a year and a half. I've had them since they were babies. I am afraid my youngest may be blind or partially blind. Although in her (talullah) pen she is very active, she constatnly hits the wall or the other tortoise (rosalie). When I take her outside or let them roam in the house (supervised of course) Talullah will not move except for a step or two. She seems unable to see when we place food in front of her, only eating it if we hit it against her mouth. If she hears me drop food, she kind of roots around like a baby looking for it and depending on what i'm feeding her can make quite a mess all over her face. She startles easy when i pet her, although she is the more loveable of the two and has recently she began using her nose to smell things and then bump them with her head like her food even my leg. She tries to eat it then jumps back if I move and she realizes its me. Any suggestions would be appriciated.

Answer 1

maybe she just likes to bump her head.....check with a tortoise specialist and see, love her anyway.... :-) being blind isn't the end of the world,

Answer 2

This is typical behavior for a shy or stressed tortoise. A blind tortoise would usually have visibly unusual-looking eyes (usually gummed closed or pale blue).

"Hears me..." is an interesting phrase- tortoises are nearly deaf- she can feel vibration, but not hear most noises.

One thing I note is that you move them a lot. Tortoises are VERY neophobic- they dislike new things, being handled, new habitats, new foods, etc. They should have a home that fits all of their needs- and few tortoises do well roaming freely in a human house.

You do not describe the diet, housing, etc. but you may want to check at http://www.tortoisetrust.org for good care info.

Just out of curiosity- are these African Spurred Tortoises (Geochelone sulcata) or Greek Spur-thighed Tortoises (Testudo graeca)? The term 'spur-thighed' is often mistakenly used for Sulcatas and the cares for the two are very different.

Answer 3

I'm not a tortoise expert, but I would suggest you give your exotic vet a call and maybe bring your tortie in for a check up. It could be that she indeed is blind, but she will learn to adapt as will you.