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!!!

NO.. not heated!

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

Trying to get "their" attention Josh!

Looking beyond the disease problems, what happens in a very short time when the Redfoot grows considerably larger than the Box? Most likely the Box will be stressed and bullied by what is now his "friend". Yes this two have already been together and most certainly could even live the rest of their lives together comfortably.

The question also comes up in my mind, are you wanting to breed these guys down the line? Meaning are you planning on getting another RF or/and another Boxie? If so, do you realize you could be causing future harm to those breeding plans with the added threat of the possible cross contamination already caused? These two may (so far) not show any adverse problems from sharing a home, but what if you spend the money and get a new RF for instance. Add her in with your current RF. She becomes sick because she can't handle something that perhaps the Boxie had brought into the situation. Then it could get things stirred up enough that the first two could suddenly not be able to handle what at this point seems a passive disease/germ and they could die. Bad scenario isn't it, unfortunately not entirely outside the realm of possible futures.

You never really fully know what all your animals have been exposed to before you get them. You rely on others to take the same careful precautions you do. Isn't it just smarter to do everything you can to minimize future risks?

I know it's nice to be able to give them both companionship. It's nice to be able to have only one setup for both of them, especially since their needs are so close to being the same. Unfortunately it's not optimal to do so. They are your animals and in the end only you can decide what to do with them. They could have no adverse problems from living together and others have done so with no troubles. By both being CB hatchlings, the chances of problems are even more reduced. It's just something you need to think about and then follow your own heart on.

Even if they are captive bred and hatchlings, all bodies have micro-organisms inside of them. Over the ages, each specie has developed a tolerance to the kinds of micro-organisms it comes across and they live just fine with them. But if you put another turtle/tortoise with one from a different continent, and they come in contact with those "other" micro-organisms, your turtle or tortoise could become sick and even die. The problem is, it won't happen today or tomorrow. It will take so long to happen that you won't associate the sickness with the fact that the turtle has been living with the tortoise for the past few years.

Yvonne

Thank you Jacq. & Yvon. - I get tired of saying what you said.
It becomes very trying.. as I'm occasionally thought to be "heated" by it all ------ nah!..... much too old for that!!! In order of caring or being concerned..... the tortoise's comes first! [ in most cases ] That's the only reason I'm here.

So I'll say this:

[ IF ] Ignorance is not knowing.. stupidity is defending it.

Some keepers choose to be educated.. some choose to be stupid. And it's obvious which is which.

The tortoises don't have that choice.

Thanks again ladies!

Chucky, I know you where just joking. I was too.

I was waitng for you to reply to this thread Terry. Its like ok lets watch and learn. I like to leave the teaching to the old folks 8' ).