Cherry Head Tortoises? Where?

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Forgive me for not reading everything.
But please tell me that you don't keep a Redfoot and a Hermani together.
The nose scale looks Cherryhead to me.
But I only have Northerns.

I know you may be concerned, but this I something I am sure is ok. My Herman’s was already acclimated to more humid climates before I had bought her, and this is the only reason I keep them together. If it were any different I would have separated them. I have much experience with these animals and with reptiles in general. I have my methods, and you have yours. I just ask of you not to criticize mine.
 

Wendy Proulx

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I know you may be concerned, but this I something I am sure is ok. My Herman’s was already acclimated to more humid climates before I had bought her, and this is the only reason I keep them together. If it were any different I would have separated them. I have much experience with these animals and with reptiles in general. I have my methods, and you have yours. I just ask of you not to criticize mine.
I’m worried about aggression between them.
 
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@Wendy Proulx
There actually is no aggression between either of them! Sometimes I’ll find them napping side by side, or with a head rested one the other. They share the food bowl with no problems, and same goes for the water bowl. Happy you all care for them, I assure you they are the best case of keeping different species together I’ve ever seen.
 

ZEROPILOT

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There are actually many reasons why this should never be done.
Youd be hard pressed to find a member here that will agree with you on this matter.
Please search threads on tortoise pairs kept together....And then on mixing species.
You have two very large potential problems.
But I understand why you think that all is well.
You are simply wrong.
Please don't take this as a personal attack. It's a pretty common issue(s)
 

Yvonne G

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@Wendy Proulx
There actually is no aggression between either of them! Sometimes I’ll find them napping side by side, or with a head rested one the other. They share the food bowl with no problems, and same goes for the water bowl. Happy you all care for them, I assure you they are the best case of keeping different species together I’ve ever seen.
The long term affect of a Hermanni being kept in the jungle-like environment the Red Foot needs to be healthy is certainly detrimental to his health, and may cause a shortened life span. If it's the other way around, and the RF is being kept in an environment suitable to keep a Hermanni healthy, then the RF tortoise is certainly suffering ill effects. These two tortoises require totally different climates to live long, healthy lives.

Just an FYI, cuddling, sleeping together, etc. are signs of bullying. Tortoises are solitary animals and they don't want other tortoises in their space. One is telling the other, "This is my sleeping spot." "This is my food dish." etc. This is stressful for both of them.

Please reconsider keeping these two tortoises in the same enclosure. In your very first post on this thread you said you are very new to tortoise keeping and don't have much experience. Then only four months later, in post #21 you say you have "much experience with these animals." Please take our advice for the sake of your two tortoises, and separate them, setting each up in environments that their species require.
 

Minority2

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@Wendy Proulx
There actually is no aggression between either of them! Sometimes I’ll find them napping side by side, or with a head rested one the other. They share the food bowl with no problems, and same goes for the water bowl. Happy you all care for them, I assure you they are the best case of keeping different species together I’ve ever seen.

1. Is there a particular reason why you refuse to separate them?

You're currently using a small zoo med tortoise table. Did you know that an enclosure that size is actually not large enough to house a single hatchling, let alone two? Diseases from each individual tortoise can also be a concern in that one of the tortoises may be susceptible to the other. Future aggression and ongoing competitions are also huge factors for separating inter-species and or pairs.

2. Do you or your parents lack the funds to properly provide for these tortoises?

If so, the best thing to do for these tortoises may be to re-home them to others that do have the ability to do what is best for these tortoises.
 
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I assure you all, their is enough space for them both. Have you seen Kenan Harkin's setups for babies? He keep groups of 10s in one of these, and he's been working with tortoise for over 20 years. Both my tortoises barely use half of the enclosure, so there is no need to add extra area that they won't use. Inside it is perfectly humid enough and all is fine. Anyway, I was already planning on upgrading in the near future. None of them carry diseases, and I disagree that their habits are signs of aggression. To call it aggression is not even a word necessary. Aggression would be if they were fighting or pushing each other, and you guys use it as if it were impossible to keep tortoises in groups. They give each other enough space to coexist. Please, all i'm asking is to stop over exaggerating. This is very simple; Two tortoises are living together in a large enough enclosure for them to continue their wild habits. With animals and pets we have to always think with common sense. I'm certainly not going to turn my room into a zoo for some couple month old baby tortoises which haven't grown even a centimeter.
 

SweetGreekTorts

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I assure you all, their is enough space for them both. Have you seen Kenan Harkin's setups for babies? He keep groups of 10s in one of these, and he's been working with tortoise for over 20 years. Both my tortoises barely use half of the enclosure, so there is no need to add extra area that they won't use. Inside it is perfectly humid enough and all is fine. Anyway, I was already planning on upgrading in the near future. None of them carry diseases, and I disagree that their habits are signs of aggression. To call it aggression is not even a word necessary. Aggression would be if they were fighting or pushing each other, and you guys use it as if it were impossible to keep tortoises in groups. They give each other enough space to coexist. Please, all i'm asking is to stop over exaggerating. This is very simple; Two tortoises are living together in a large enough enclosure for them to continue their wild habits. With animals and pets we have to always think with common sense. I'm certainly not going to turn my room into a zoo for some couple month old baby tortoises which haven't grown even a centimeter.
So let me get this straight... with the very minimal few months of experience that you have with two tiny hatchlings, you know way more about tortoise care and behavior than most of these folks who have stepped in to give you advice? You might want show a little respect and consider the advice. We've experienced and learned more over many years and are here to help you give the best possible care for your babies.

We want your babies to be happy and healthy so you can enjoy their company for many many years. That's why we make these suggestions. We've made these same mistakes in the past and want to help new owners like yourself to avoid making them.

But ultimately they are your babies, and you will care for them as you see fit. I wish you the best.
 
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First of all, I would like to say that I’m only new to the keeping of tortoises. I have been studying them for a good two years now. I do not mean to offend, I did not say I know more than you all. I know you are just trying to help. I will do some more of my own research on the topic and post my decision, and in the meantime please don’t reply to me. Just give me time.
 

Minority2

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I assure you all, their is enough space for them both. Have you seen Kenan Harkin's setups for babies? He keep groups of 10s in one of these, and he's been working with tortoise for over 20 years. Both my tortoises barely use half of the enclosure, so there is no need to add extra area that they won't use. Inside it is perfectly humid enough and all is fine. Anyway, I was already planning on upgrading in the near future. None of them carry diseases, and I disagree that their habits are signs of aggression. To call it aggression is not even a word necessary. Aggression would be if they were fighting or pushing each other, and you guys use it as if it were impossible to keep tortoises in groups. They give each other enough space to coexist. Please, all i'm asking is to stop over exaggerating. This is very simple; Two tortoises are living together in a large enough enclosure for them to continue their wild habits. With animals and pets we have to always think with common sense. I'm certainly not going to turn my room into a zoo for some couple month old baby tortoises which haven't grown even a centimeter.

Kenan Harkin is not an expert on tortoise and or reptiles for that matter. Most of his knowledge of tortoise and care advice predate well before the 2000's.
https://www.tortoiseforum.org/threads/kamp-kenan-baby-kits.164761/
https://www.tortoiseforum.org/threads/kamp-kenan.160424/
 
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Hello everyone, I was thinking about what all you guys suggested after my research, and I was thinking; Even though my tortoises are babies, could I keep them outside? Of course it would be with some sort of fence and a cover, but my main concern would be heat. Would I be able to keep my Herman's outside in summer and spring, and bring her back in when it cools down? Then they would be seperated other than those two or three cold months every year.

P.S
Sorry for being such a stubborn idiot before, I don't know what got into me.
 

TylerStewart

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The long term affect of a Hermanni being kept in the jungle-like environment the Red Foot needs to be healthy is certainly detrimental to his health, and may cause a shortened life span.

Can you clarify why a hermanns should not be kept in a "jungle like environment" when this forum on a daily basis tells people to raise them in enclosed chambers, and that anyone that doesn't is just putting a death sentence on the tortoises? What about the humid environment is harmful to a hermanns? I'm not saying I disagree, just that I'm scolded for daring not to raise them in closed chambers, but then we are saying they should not be kept in humid conditions. I can't get away with saying the same thing.
 

Yvonne G

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Can you clarify why a hermanns should not be kept in a "jungle like environment" when this forum on a daily basis tells people to raise them in enclosed chambers, and that anyone that doesn't is just putting a death sentence on the tortoises? What about the humid environment is harmful to a hermanns? I'm not saying I disagree, just that I'm scolded for daring not to raise them in closed chambers, but then we are saying they should not be kept in humid conditions. I can't get away with saying the same thing.
I was merely trying to make a point with someone who seemed not willing to see the difference in care between Mediterranean tortoises and South American tortoises. I know nothing about Hermanni. The only experience I have with any Mediterranean species is with the Russians. Also, I believe my answer quoted above was directed towards someone keeping a full grown Hermanni, not a baby. I still say a full grown Mediterranean tortoise doesn't require the same conditions as a RF.
 

TylerStewart

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I just wish someone would post a list of species that are supposed to be kept humid versus species that aren't, because I swore a week ago, anything but a closed chamber was sure death for any baby tortoise (regardless of the thousands a year that are raised outside closed chambers).
 

Yvonne G

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It's hard for some people to differentiate what they're reading about closed chambers, sulcatas and leopards and apply it to other species. We seem to lean towards a one size fits all type of enclosure. Tom alluded to the fact that desert tortoises don't required the hot humid treatment, but it was just skimmed over and not emphasized. I think the main thing, whether closed chamber or not, is don't cook your baby's insides. Hot lights, dry substrate, no way for the baby to get out of the light - not good.
 
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1. Is there a particular reason why you refuse to separate them?

You're currently using a small zoo med tortoise table. Did you know that an enclosure that size is actually not large enough to house a single hatchling, let alone two? Diseases from each individual tortoise can also be a concern in that one of the tortoises may be susceptible to the other. Future aggression and ongoing competitions are also huge factors for separating inter-species and or pairs.

2. Do you or your parents lack the funds to properly provide for these tortoises?

If so, the best thing to do for these tortoises may be to re-home them to others that do have the ability to do what is best for these tortoises.
I do know that this is too small, so for your information, I am currently now experimenting with the size.
 
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It's hard for some people to differentiate what they're reading about closed chambers, sulcatas and leopards and apply it to other species. We seem to lean towards a one size fits all type of enclosure. Tom alluded to the fact that desert tortoises don't required the hot humid treatment, but it was just skimmed over and not emphasized. I think the main thing, whether closed chamber or not, is don't cook your baby's insides. Hot lights, dry substrate, no way for the baby to get out of the light - not good.

Actually, they have many places to get out of the light. There are 3 hides, and many plants in the corner for them to get shade from. I also know you all think it is to humid, but I know this is ok, because Penny used to have horrible pyramiding, that was rapidly occurring, but once I brought up the humidity, her shell started growing in a more uniform manner.
 
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Please, all I ask now, is that you all get over the whole, Hermanns with a red foot situation, as I ask again: Can I fix this by moving Penny(my hermanns) outside? My area is dry enough for hermanns, and I was planning on making a tortoise habitat outside anyway. Please, just answer the question and we will all be happy. And if it isn’t too much, if my house has gotten colder for winter, is my tortoise trying to hibernate? She sleeps now all the time, and hasn’t eaten for a couple of days, so I’m a tad bit worried.

Thanks,
Omer
 
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