My spurthighed tortoise is 12 years old and his enclosure is 12 foot square.  He continuously tries to mount your shoe as if he wants to mate when you let him out of the enclosure.  He will pace the sides of the enclosure constantly . Any suggestions as to why he does this and how to stop it?

Hello there. Years ago I had a male ibera like this. He always settled by about mid June! Are his enclosure sides solid or see through? Using solid walls reduces temptation to wander. Also be sure to provide plenty of shaded areas...they can easily overheat on full sun days. As regards his pacing and shoe mounting, This does sound hormonal, and is not that uncommon. Spring fever is controlled by temperature and daylight length. It may be that he is going through his adolescence...lucky thing.

If his eating, weight and excretion are as normal, I shouldn't be worried...just take care where you leave your shoes!

Hi there,

I totally agree with David's excellent answer. This does sound like Springtime hormonal activity. You may even find that food is less of a concern to your male until he calms down a bit later in the year. There are lots of reports of male tortoises "imprinting" on objects such as the owners shoes.