Whenever I put my 4 year old Herman (Herbie) in his outdoor enclosure he almost immediately burries himself about 2 inches under the soil and stays there. I understand that it is normal for Tortoises to do this but he will not come out unless I dig him out even on the warmest of days, almost like he's gone back into hibernation. Is this normal behaviour and should I just leave him be? although I'm sure that if I did he would stay there indefinatly.

Thanks

Mac

Hi Mac, it might be worth you having a poo sample checked incase he has parasites that are making him sluggish.  You can send a sample off free see this link on our site, they will tell you the results then if they do have anything you can go to your vet for the appropriate treatment http://www.tortoise-protection-group.org.uk/site/174.asp

When he is outside make sure there is plenty of shade too, for him to escape the sun, sometimes they bury themselves to escape it.

Let us know how you get on, regards Vivienne