Don't worry! All tortoises do this it is part of their natural behavior! Russian tortoises walk around for hours finding food and it's natural that your tortoise will enjoy exploring. If it's not a Russian I can't say for sure but I'd assume it's the same. At night they usually find a corner to burrow in and sleep so it'll stop sooner or later. Try giving your tortoise rocks and leaves and things to explore nearer to the center of the habitat so they have something to go walk around or play with that's not annoyingly close to the edge.
Jan 11, 2019
Pacing Russian Tortoise by: Toots Mom
How did you block the glass so the tortoise couldn't see out? My hyperactive Russian Toroise, Toots, is having a pacing issue.
Dec 04, 2016
pacing russian tortoise by: Shelly
If you have taken care of the glass problem, consider whether you have given the tortoise enough stimulation in the habitat. Are there things of interest to explore? (Keep these away from the sides.) Have you moved anything? If not, try that.
Keep it slow and steady.
Dec 02, 2016
Climbing and pacing by: Anonymous
My Russian tortoise keeps claiming the sides of his cage and he falls on his back.He is also pacing.Why is he doing this and what should I do?
Jul 28, 2013
Glass by: Shelly
Glad to help, Erica!
Jul 27, 2013
Thanks! by: Erica
This thread may be old but its a life saver. I was having a huge problem with this, no more seeing out the glass where his reflection showed, WAY less pacing
Aug 21, 2010
Continuous Pacing! by: Amber
I placed my Russian Tortoise in a penned area with solid sides and he still paces and tried to find a way to climb out. It's to the point now - glass, wood, plastic - he gets his belly flat against the sides and spends hours trying to climb out. If not climbing then he is stretching his neck as tall as possible to see over the solid sides. He is very aware. I've taken to allowing him to be in all three areas throughout the day to tire him out. In between these bouts of practicing to be an escape artist, he thoroughly enjoys his wading dish 4 - 5 times a day - this is on top of the bath wading bath I give him weekly.
On the contrary, I have a second Russian Tortoise, and he could care less where he is so long as he can borough or nudge tightly against the sides as if he is hiding.
Any suggestions? I've checked for parasites, temperature, food water....
Jan 10, 2010
glass by: Brionni
So first I can tell youve got a vivarium yep well vivariums can stress tortoises out because they can see their own reflection and they will constantly keep ramming thinking its another tortoise.
Jan 05, 2010
glass by: Anonymous
The problem is the glass. If you make it so your tortoise can't see out, you will have less pacing.