The Tortoise Table

Hi there, I think I know the answer to this one but just wanted to check with those more knowledgeable please.
My little 8 yr old male (who has been in my care 21 months now)
has developed a new behaviour in the last few weeks. I hear him squeaking, it's not the noise they make when the beak grinds together. When I hear him and go and check on him, he s mounted one of his large pebbles; has his tail wiggling but buried in the warm substrate (50:50 top soil and sand) and has his mouth wide open and gasping.
He was doing this last night just before his light went off, whereupon he went off to sleep - this morning he s just basking under his lamp as normal.
Is it just 'boy behaviour'? Previously I 've seen him marching around showing off his 'boy bits' - which has given a clear indication of what's going on, but in this instance with the squeaking, when I 've lifted him up to check him, there's no sign of his 'boy bits'.
Not sure if it was coincidence last night but I sprayed some warm water onto his substrate and it was almost like it set him off rampaging around his table then I heard the squeaking.
Grateful for your thoughts.

Hi Teddy28.
From reading between the lines I would agree and say its a male being a male. The warm substrate probably just felt like heaven for him. As long as there is no wheezing, bubbles from his nares or he starts seeking out and sleeping in a cold area I think he is fine.
Keep watch and make sure he is happy but if there is anything to cause you worry then to settle your fears I would see a vet for their thoughts too.

Hope you and yours has a Happy Christmas and good 2019.

Lin

Thanks for the reassurance Lin. Yes everything fine other than this behaviour, but will keep an eye on him.
Best wishes to you too for Christmas and New year.