One of the first things we think of when we think about tortoises is their

shell. More than just keeping a tortoise safe from predators, the tortoise’s shell

is a very important part of their whole body. Tortoise’s can’t actually leave their

shells (cartoons have lied to us!). They get to take their house with them, no

matter where they go! The shell is completely attached to the tortoise and is

actually a part of their skeleton. The ribs, vertebrae and sternum have all fused

together to create a solid layer of bone. But just because the shell is hard,

doesn’t mean that tortoises can’t feel when we touch their shells. They are able

to feel soft touches like a pat and some even like to get scratches!

 Tortoises can be ticklish!