what sounds might make a tortoise happy?

Question

I'm pet-sitting a young sulcata tortoise, and I feel bad for him because he is in too small of a space. He doesn't seem happy, and while I think he would probably be best living on a ranch somewhere, I am only pet-sitting so it is not my choice.

So, I simply have this sad tortoise in my room and nowhere else I can take him.

I notice he gets startled by noises throughout the day (cars passing, phones ringing, etc.), and it seems to me that must be very disconcerting for him. Are there any sounds I could play for him throughout the day that might make him feel more at home? Would he enjoy some sort of nature sounds CD or something? or maybe even music..? Does anyone know?

Answer 1

Tortoises have well-developed inner ears, but poorly developed external ears- just small openings.

They really only hear and respond to certain types of noises- and most musics, etc. are not on the list.

They DO respond to vibrations- cars, footsteps, etc.- and do not like unfamiliar 'feels', and they dislike new homes, and cramped spaces.

Playing music will not change anything- giving it enough room and warmth to keep it healthy will.

I know you are in a tough situation, but there is probably SOMETHING you can do, depending on the size of the tortoise. One possible short-term shelter is to put it in a small room (bathroom?) with a space heater to keep temps right, and a shelter box with some hay or towels in it to dig into.

http://www.tortoisetrust.org
http://www.africantortoise.com can both help.

EDIT: A negative vote, huh? it fascinates me that people vote down good answers (and not just mine) that are perfectly accurate just because they prefer to believe something else.

Don't like or believe this answer? Do the research yourself. It is true.

Answer 2

I would say try playing soothing nature sounds like birds or rushing rivers. You might also want to try some soothing music, too. You might also want to ask the owner about the tortoise to get more information.

Answer 3

Great question. I would say playing relaxing nature sounds, like birds or rivers, waterfalls, trees, and the tortoise will probably think she is in a jungle indeed:)

Answer 4

Wind chimes

Answer 5

I would play him some easy listening relaxing music or some classical.

Answer 6

They're pretty much deaf, they feel vibrations but don't hear like we do. I would think they like peace and quiet.

Answer 7

lol well i feed my herps crickets so i hear them chirp and it remind me of the jungle

Answer 8

barking