{"id":58135,"date":"2022-04-16T10:52:15","date_gmt":"2022-04-16T10:52:15","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/animalshelterz.com\/do-tortoises-like-their-shells-stroked\/"},"modified":"2022-04-16T10:52:15","modified_gmt":"2022-04-16T10:52:15","slug":"do-tortoises-like-their-shells-stroked","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/animalshelterz.com\/do-tortoises-like-their-shells-stroked\/","title":{"rendered":"Do tortoises like their shells stroked?"},"content":{"rendered":"<div id=\"ez-toc-container\" class=\"ez-toc-v2_0_17 counter-hierarchy counter-decimal ez-toc-grey\">\n<div class=\"ez-toc-title-container\">\n<p class=\"ez-toc-title\">Table of Contents<\/p>\n<span class=\"ez-toc-title-toggle\"><a class=\"ez-toc-pull-right ez-toc-btn ez-toc-btn-xs ez-toc-btn-default ez-toc-toggle\" style=\"display: none;\"><i class=\"ez-toc-glyphicon ez-toc-icon-toggle\"><\/i><\/a><\/span><\/div>\n<nav><ul class=\"ez-toc-list ez-toc-list-level-1\"><li class=\"ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2\"><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-1\" href=\"https:\/\/animalshelterz.com\/do-tortoises-like-their-shells-stroked\/#Do_tortoises_like_their_shells_stroked\" title=\"Do tortoises like their shells stroked?\">Do tortoises like their shells stroked?<\/a><\/li><li class=\"ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2\"><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-2\" href=\"https:\/\/animalshelterz.com\/do-tortoises-like-their-shells-stroked\/#Do_turtles_like_their_shells_rubbed\" title=\"Do turtles like their shells rubbed?\">Do turtles like their shells rubbed?<\/a><\/li><li class=\"ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2\"><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-3\" href=\"https:\/\/animalshelterz.com\/do-tortoises-like-their-shells-stroked\/#Do_tortoises_like_being_touched\" title=\"Do tortoises like being touched?\">Do tortoises like being touched?<\/a><\/li><li class=\"ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2\"><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-4\" href=\"https:\/\/animalshelterz.com\/do-tortoises-like-their-shells-stroked\/#Can_tortoises_feel_when_you_touch_their_shell\" title=\"Can tortoises feel when you touch their shell?\">Can tortoises feel when you touch their shell?<\/a><\/li><li class=\"ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2\"><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-5\" href=\"https:\/\/animalshelterz.com\/do-tortoises-like-their-shells-stroked\/#Do_tortoises_like_being_rubbed\" title=\"Do tortoises like being rubbed?\">Do tortoises like being rubbed?<\/a><\/li><li class=\"ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2\"><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-6\" href=\"https:\/\/animalshelterz.com\/do-tortoises-like-their-shells-stroked\/#Do_tortoises_like_having_their_shells_brushed\" title=\"Do tortoises like having their shells brushed?\">Do tortoises like having their shells brushed?<\/a><\/li><li class=\"ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2\"><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-7\" href=\"https:\/\/animalshelterz.com\/do-tortoises-like-their-shells-stroked\/#Do_turtles_like_having_their_shell_scratched\" title=\"Do turtles like having their shell scratched?\">Do turtles like having their shell scratched?<\/a><\/li><li class=\"ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2\"><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-8\" href=\"https:\/\/animalshelterz.com\/do-tortoises-like-their-shells-stroked\/#Do_turtles_like_to_be_rubbed\" title=\"Do turtles like to be rubbed?\">Do turtles like to be rubbed?<\/a><\/li><li class=\"ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2\"><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-9\" href=\"https:\/\/animalshelterz.com\/do-tortoises-like-their-shells-stroked\/#Do_turtles_like_to_be_pet_on_their_shell\" title=\"Do turtles like to be pet on their shell?\">Do turtles like to be pet on their shell?<\/a><\/li><li class=\"ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2\"><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-10\" href=\"https:\/\/animalshelterz.com\/do-tortoises-like-their-shells-stroked\/#Do_turtles_show_affection\" title=\"Do turtles show affection?\">Do turtles show affection?<\/a><\/li><li class=\"ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2\"><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-11\" href=\"https:\/\/animalshelterz.com\/do-tortoises-like-their-shells-stroked\/#Can_turtles_feel_when_you_stroke_their_shell\" title=\"Can turtles feel when you stroke their shell?\">Can turtles feel when you stroke their shell?<\/a><\/li><li class=\"ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2\"><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-12\" href=\"https:\/\/animalshelterz.com\/do-tortoises-like-their-shells-stroked\/#Do_tortoises_show_affection\" title=\"Do tortoises show affection?\">Do tortoises show affection?<\/a><\/li><li class=\"ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2\"><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-13\" href=\"https:\/\/animalshelterz.com\/do-tortoises-like-their-shells-stroked\/#Do_tortoises_like_being_picked_up\" title=\"Do tortoises like being picked up?\">Do tortoises like being picked up?<\/a><\/li><li class=\"ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2\"><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-14\" href=\"https:\/\/animalshelterz.com\/do-tortoises-like-their-shells-stroked\/#Can_tortoises_feel_their_shell_being_touched\" title=\"Can tortoises feel their shell being touched?\">Can tortoises feel their shell being touched?<\/a><\/li><li class=\"ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2\"><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-15\" href=\"https:\/\/animalshelterz.com\/do-tortoises-like-their-shells-stroked\/#How_do_I_know_if_my_tortoise_is_happy\" title=\"How do I know if my tortoise is happy?\">How do I know if my tortoise is happy?<\/a><\/li><li class=\"ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2\"><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-16\" href=\"https:\/\/animalshelterz.com\/do-tortoises-like-their-shells-stroked\/#Can_a_tortoise_feel_when_you_touch_its_shell\" title=\"Can a tortoise feel when you touch its shell?\">Can a tortoise feel when you touch its shell?<\/a><\/li><li class=\"ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2\"><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-17\" href=\"https:\/\/animalshelterz.com\/do-tortoises-like-their-shells-stroked\/#Do_tortoises_like_having_their_shells_stroked\" title=\"Do tortoises like having their shells stroked?\">Do tortoises like having their shells stroked?<\/a><\/li><li class=\"ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2\"><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-18\" href=\"https:\/\/animalshelterz.com\/do-tortoises-like-their-shells-stroked\/#Do_tortoise_like_their_shell_rubbed\" title=\"Do tortoise like their shell rubbed?\">Do tortoise like their shell rubbed?<\/a><\/li><li class=\"ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2\"><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-19\" href=\"https:\/\/animalshelterz.com\/do-tortoises-like-their-shells-stroked\/#Can_tortoises_feel_their_shell_being_stroked\" title=\"Can tortoises feel their shell being stroked?\">Can tortoises feel their shell being stroked?<\/a><\/li><li class=\"ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2\"><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-20\" href=\"https:\/\/animalshelterz.com\/do-tortoises-like-their-shells-stroked\/#Do_tortoises_like_their_shells_rubbed\" title=\"Do tortoises like their shells rubbed?\">Do tortoises like their shells rubbed?<\/a><\/li><li class=\"ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2\"><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-21\" href=\"https:\/\/animalshelterz.com\/do-tortoises-like-their-shells-stroked\/#Should_I_brush_my_tortoise_shell\" title=\"Should I brush my tortoise shell?\">Should I brush my tortoise shell?<\/a><\/li><li class=\"ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2\"><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-22\" href=\"https:\/\/animalshelterz.com\/do-tortoises-like-their-shells-stroked\/#Do_turtles_like_their_shells_scrubbed\" title=\"Do turtles like their shells scrubbed?\">Do turtles like their shells scrubbed?<\/a><\/li><li class=\"ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2\"><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-23\" href=\"https:\/\/animalshelterz.com\/do-tortoises-like-their-shells-stroked\/#Do_turtles_like_when_you_touch_their_shell\" title=\"Do turtles like when you touch their shell?\">Do turtles like when you touch their shell?<\/a><\/li><li class=\"ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2\"><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-24\" href=\"https:\/\/animalshelterz.com\/do-tortoises-like-their-shells-stroked\/#Why_do_turtles_like_shell_scratches\" title=\"Why do turtles like shell scratches?\">Why do turtles like shell scratches?<\/a><\/li><li class=\"ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2\"><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-25\" href=\"https:\/\/animalshelterz.com\/do-tortoises-like-their-shells-stroked\/#Do_turtle_like_to_be_touched\" title=\"Do turtle like to be touched?\">Do turtle like to be touched?<\/a><\/li><\/ul><\/nav><\/div>\n<h2><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Do_tortoises_like_their_shells_stroked\"><\/span>Do tortoises like their shells stroked?<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<p>The short answer. The short answer is that <b>yes, in many cases tortoises do like their shells to be scratched or petted<\/b><\/p>\n<h2><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Do_turtles_like_their_shells_rubbed\"><\/span>Do turtles like their shells rubbed?<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<p>Myrtle Love Back Scratches In fact, <b>turtles do have nerve endings in their shells and a scratch seems to feel good. Our big sea turtles are no exception! So the next time you visit and you see one of the turtles shimmying their shell under a finger of coral, now you&#8217;ll know they&#8217;re just enjoying a good back scratch.<\/b><\/p>\n<h2><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Do_tortoises_like_being_touched\"><\/span>Do tortoises like being touched?<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<p><b>Tortoises Definitely Love Being Touched<\/b> Matt Evans of the Smithsonian National Zoo Reptile Discovery Center says, Tortoises enjoy tactile sensations, rubbing, scratching, that kind of thing.<\/p>\n<h2><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Can_tortoises_feel_when_you_touch_their_shell\"><\/span>Can tortoises feel when you touch their shell?<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<p>Tortoises are extremely sensitive creatures. Despite popular belief, <b>they can feel the slightest touch to their skin and shells. It was once thought that a tortoise&#8217;s carapace was void of any nerve endings, and as such horrific acts were often carried out and even recommended by media and literature of that time.<\/b><\/p>\n<h2><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Do_tortoises_like_being_rubbed\"><\/span>Do tortoises like being rubbed?<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<p>In the proper care, however, <b>most tortoises appear to enjoy being touched by their caretakers. In some cases, they extend their necks out while being touched or massaged  a sign that the animal wants to be rubbed some more.<\/b><\/p>\n<h2><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Do_tortoises_like_having_their_shells_brushed\"><\/span>Do tortoises like having their shells brushed?<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<p>Turns out, even if a turtle doesn&#8217;t need cleaning, <b>they seem to enjoy the feeling of bristles on their shells. In fact, that&#8217;s one recommended way of petting them.<\/b><\/p>\n<h2><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Do_turtles_like_having_their_shell_scratched\"><\/span>Do turtles like having their shell scratched?<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<p>Myrtle Love Back Scratches In fact, turtles do have nerve endings in their shells and <b>a scratch seems to feel good. Our big sea turtles are no exception! So the next time you visit and you see one of the turtles shimmying their shell under a finger of coral, now you&#8217;ll know they&#8217;re just enjoying a good back scratch.<\/b><\/p>\n<h2><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Do_turtles_like_to_be_rubbed\"><\/span>Do turtles like to be rubbed?<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<p>Turtles can feel touch and pressure through their shells in much the same way we feel it through our fingernails. <b>Many sociable turtles enjoy having their heads rubbed, while others like for their shells to be rubbed or scratched! Try using a soft brush to rub a turtle&#8217;s shell.<\/b><\/p>\n<h2><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Do_turtles_like_to_be_pet_on_their_shell\"><\/span>Do turtles like to be pet on their shell?<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<p>Yes, they can most certainly feel their shells being touched. It&#8217;s made of bone covered in keratin, and would likely feel similar to touching your fingernail. <b>Some turtles do accept being pet, some don&#8217;t, and a select few will love it.<\/b><\/p>\n<h2><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Do_turtles_show_affection\"><\/span>Do turtles show affection?<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<p><b>Yes, it can!<\/b><b>Tortoises and turtles show affection in different ways than a human or dog would. Yet, both turtles and tortoises are definitely able to show affection or at least a preference when it comes to their human friends.<\/b><\/p>\n<h2><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Can_turtles_feel_when_you_stroke_their_shell\"><\/span>Can turtles feel when you stroke their shell?<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<p><b>Yes, sea turtles can feel it when you touch their shell. Sea turtle shells consist of bones, which are covered by a layer of so-called scutes (plates). These scutes are made of keratin, the same material that human fingernails are made of. There are nerve endings enervating even the bones of the shell.<\/b><\/p>\n<h2><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Do_tortoises_show_affection\"><\/span>Do tortoises show affection?<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<p>Since tortoises are reptiles, they are not capable of feeling love as we humans understand it. However, <b>tortoises do show signs of affection and appreciation for their owners. They follow their pet parents around, tolerate handling, eat directly from human hands, and come to us when they see us.<\/b><\/p>\n<h2><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Do_tortoises_like_being_picked_up\"><\/span>Do tortoises like being picked up?<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<p>Sufficiently strong to even break the grip of an unwary adult, a tortoise can suffer great trauma or broken limbs and shell from being dropped. A tortoise should only ever be handled with two hands, <b>they hate being picked up, it is not natural to them.<\/b><\/p>\n<h2><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Can_tortoises_feel_their_shell_being_touched\"><\/span>Can tortoises feel their shell being touched?<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<p>Touch. Tortoises are extremely sensitive creatures. Despite popular belief, <b>they can feel the slightest touch to their skin and shells. It was once thought that a tortoise&#8217;s carapace was void of any nerve endings, and as such horrific acts were often carried out and even recommended by media and literature of that time <\/b><\/p>\n<h2><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"How_do_I_know_if_my_tortoise_is_happy\"><\/span>How do I know if my tortoise is happy?<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<p>Tortoises are happiest when they&#8217;re healthy. The signs of a happy tortoise include <b>a strong shell, clear and shiny eyes, dry and wrinkly skin, responsiveness to petting, and a good appetite. They should be active, walking around their enclosure, moving objects about, digging burrows, and climbing.<\/b><\/p>\n<h2><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Can_a_tortoise_feel_when_you_touch_its_shell\"><\/span>Can a tortoise feel when you touch its shell?<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<p>Touch. Tortoises are extremely sensitive creatures. Despite popular belief, <b>they can feel the slightest touch to their skin and shells. It was once thought that a tortoise&#8217;s carapace was void of any nerve endings, and as such horrific acts were often carried out and even recommended by media and literature of that time <\/b><\/p>\n<h2><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Do_tortoises_like_having_their_shells_stroked\"><\/span>Do tortoises like having their shells stroked?<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<p><b>Tortoises Definitely Love Being Touched<\/b> Matt Evans of the Smithsonian National Zoo Reptile Discovery Center says, Tortoises enjoy tactile sensations, rubbing, scratching, that kind of thing.<\/p>\n<h2><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Do_tortoise_like_their_shell_rubbed\"><\/span>Do tortoise like their shell rubbed?<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<p>The short answer. The short answer is that <b>yes, in many cases tortoises do like their shells to be scratched or petted<\/b><\/p>\n<h2><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Can_tortoises_feel_their_shell_being_stroked\"><\/span>Can tortoises feel their shell being stroked?<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<p>Since tortoises are reptiles, they are not capable of feeling love as we humans understand it. However, <b>tortoises do show signs of affection and appreciation for their owners. They follow their pet parents around, tolerate handling, eat directly from human hands, and come to us when they see us.<\/b><\/p>\n<h2><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Do_tortoises_like_their_shells_rubbed\"><\/span>Do tortoises like their shells rubbed?<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<p>The short answer. The short answer is that <b>yes, in many cases tortoises do like their shells to be scratched or petted<\/b><\/p>\n<h2><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Should_I_brush_my_tortoise_shell\"><\/span>Should I brush my tortoise shell?<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<p>Absolutely yes! Tortoises and turtles feel their shell very well because there are nerves that lead back to their nervous system. <b>They can feel their shell being stroked, scratched, tapped, or otherwise touched. Tortoise and turtle shells are also sensitive enough to feel pain.<\/b><\/p>\n<h2><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Do_turtles_like_their_shells_scrubbed\"><\/span>Do turtles like their shells scrubbed?<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<p>Turns out, even if a turtle doesn&#8217;t need cleaning, <b>they seem to enjoy the feeling of bristles on their shells. In fact, that&#8217;s one recommended way of petting them.<\/b><\/p>\n<h2><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Do_turtles_like_when_you_touch_their_shell\"><\/span>Do turtles like when you touch their shell?<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<p>Turtles are unable to remove their shells because they are connected to it by their spine. Because of this, <b>the spinal cords nerve endings run through the surface of the shell and give the turtle the ability to feel contact when something touches it. This goes for all species of turtles!<\/b><\/p>\n<h2><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Why_do_turtles_like_shell_scratches\"><\/span>Why do turtles like shell scratches?<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<p>Sea turtles scratch their shells <b>to clean them. This self-grooming behaviour helps them remove epibionts such as barnacles or algae. Excessive epibiont growth would otherwise impair the turtle&#8217;s movement and swimming ability.<\/b><\/p>\n<h2><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Do_turtle_like_to_be_touched\"><\/span>Do turtle like to be touched?<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<p>Myrtle Love Back Scratches In fact, <b>turtles do have nerve endings in their shells and a scratch seems to feel good. Our big sea turtles are no exception! So the next time you visit and you see one of the turtles shimmying their shell under a finger of coral, now you&#8217;ll know they&#8217;re just enjoying a good back scratch.<\/b><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Table of Contents Do tortoises like their shells stroked?Do turtles like their shells rubbed?Do tortoises like being touched?Can tortoises feel when you touch their shell?Do tortoises like being rubbed?Do tortoises like having their shells brushed?Do turtles like having their shell scratched?Do turtles like to be rubbed?Do turtles like to be pet on their shell?Do turtles&#8230;<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":3,"featured_media":0,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_kad_post_transparent":"","_kad_post_title":"","_kad_post_layout":"","_kad_post_sidebar_id":"","_kad_post_content_style":"","_kad_post_vertical_padding":"","_kad_post_feature":"","_kad_post_feature_position":"","_kad_post_header":false,"_kad_post_footer":false,"spay_email":"","footnotes":""},"categories":[],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-58135","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","hentry"],"jetpack_featured_media_url":"","_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/animalshelterz.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/58135"}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/animalshelterz.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/animalshelterz.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/animalshelterz.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/3"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/animalshelterz.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=58135"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/animalshelterz.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/58135\/revisions"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/animalshelterz.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=58135"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/animalshelterz.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=58135"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/animalshelterz.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=58135"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}