TortoiseForum.org

Does a Tortoise need company? Are they basically loners? This is my first tortoise, so I really only know what research I have read. Most, say they don't. My Cherry Head has been living with a Three Toed for a few months now. They both needed the same care...humidity, heat, etc. They both would be hiding on the forest floor in the wild. From everything that I have read they both need the same requirements, so I put them together (for a while anyway) Pio (cherry head) follows Izzy (three toed) around. Where ever Izzy sleeps, Pio sleeps. If Izzy goes on the cool side, Pio follows. Because of all the good food that Pio gets, Izzy has started to eat fruits and greens now instead of just live food. I used to feed them on separate sides of the viv., but now Izzy will go over to eat with Pio. Does anyone have any thoughts on this. When the Summer comes, Pio will go outside in his new pen, and I will probably keep Izzy inside as I think she is still too small.

Yes, they need lots of friends and you can get them from Turtletary who has some beautiful, healthy and full of life.

Actually, they can be by themselves but I have 8 of them and they do seem to interact a lot.

Chucky are you getting a commission?

Haha, I wish. I was just trying t be funny and help out the guru at the same time.

How big is your little three toed??

jenrell23 Wrote:How big is your little three toed??

He (she) is about 5 months now. I think she is definitely the boss of the group. The only time she follows Pio is when he gets his food, otherwise ....she leads the way. They are very comical to watch together.

What a dilemma! How do I reply???

Everybody.. Terryo.. NEVER MIX SPECIES [ or sub-species ].

Chucky I appreciate what you've said.. buddies are good.. but ONLY redfoot tortoises!

I've read here several times not to mix species. The reasons are because of diseases correct? If both torts are healthy, where is the problem? I'm asking out of real curiousity. Do torts never live together in the wild?

I don't get it. They were both hatchlings...neither was sick. As hatchlings, wouldn't they be hiding on the forest floor? Under leaves or logs or dug under? They both need high humidity. They have been together for months now and Pio follows her around like a puppy. Terry, you have to give me a good reason...please. The Three Toed now is eating greens because of Pio. If she was alone she wouldn't be up to that yet. Just give me a good reason. I won't mention names, (for some reason you two don't get along in your way of raising RF's), but by his comment on another forum, he seemed to think it was OK. I really want to learn....so give me some good reasons why not.

terryo Wrote:I don't get it. They were both hatchlings...neither was sick. As hatchlings, wouldn't they be hiding on the forest floor? Under leaves or logs or dug under? They both need high humidity. They have been together for months now and Pio follows her around like a puppy. Terry, you have to give me a good reason...please. The Three Toed now is eating greens because of Pio. If she was alone she wouldn't be up to that yet. Just give me a good reason. I won't mention names, (for some reason you two don't get along in your way of raising RF's), but by his comment on another forum, he seemed to think it was OK. I really want to learn....so give me some good reasons why not.

All species have their "own" kind of 'bugs' that is common with their NATIVE habitat. "Most" tortoises/turtles CAN NOT tolerate the "different" bugs. You have a North American and South American species together.

If you went to South America.. or any other country outside of the continental U. S. would you expect to be inoculated before you left? Why? Same with tortoises and turtles. Why do you have to quarantine even the SAME SPECIES before introducing to each other? Cross-contamination maybe?!

And who could possibly think it's O.K. to mix species? Ask anyone who knows.

I have no idea who you mean when you say.. (for some reason you two don't get along in your way of raising RF's) . You and several others raise their redfoots by "my" caresheet/guidelines.. with great results - so why would you consider anything else?

And I doubt they teach each other how or what to eat.

wow getting heated.

But if I was a north american who had lived in south america for years just like both of these species whose bloodlines are from separate continents but were probably both born and raise in the same place...it would be ok right?

lets not elevate this beyond friendly discussion.

Terry this may work for you but as a general you should not mix species. If we have some knowledge and success in husbandry we should try to set an example of proper care. If a new keeper sees this and then tries to duplicate you and then loses one or both species to some bugs passed between, who is to blame? Not everyone has access to animals from known and trusted sources.

I agree, never mix species, it's not worth the risk! As TurtleTerry explained, they naturally carry their own bugs that are safe for them, but could be fatal to other types of tortoises!

As for RF's and company... mine have been fine alone, but once I put them together, I think t hey REALLY enjoy that! I only think this because they follow each other out in a line to the food bowl every day! Also I have one that is another's shadow - she follows the big girl around like a lost puppy, it's rather funny!

I agree, get another RF for yours!!!

janiedough Wrote:wow getting heated.

But if I was a north american who had lived in south america for years just like both of these species whose bloodlines are from separate continents but were probably both born and raise in the same place...it would be ok right?

NO.. not heated!

Absolutely not.. O.K.! Accept the facts...