Hi
I just read your post ,Can someone provide examples of troubles when mixing species? E.g. links to posts?
What I see about mixing species
1. Disease transmission - in a group living together for a long time it's less an issue. But when introducing new tortoises to the group this can happen - no matter if species match or not.
2. Different care requirements. This can be a factor, but both Redfoots and Sulcatas probably enjoy the climate. In more arid and hot regions this wouldn't work that nice - redfoots will require shaded and humid area. However, if they eat from the same dish - that's where problems may arise: fruit, animal matter and mushrooms will upset sulcata's stomach easily. This can be addressed.
3. Aggression and competion for resources (water dishes, basking spots, shade) and silly accidents. This probably is the most serious. Mixing species in zoos is a bad example here (I have seen a redfoot rushing and ramming Testudos in zoo exhibition). Some of such behaviour can be noticed (e.g. redfoot "basking" in a full midday sun when sulcatas sleep in shade), some is not that easy (e.g. when some tortoises don't self-soak). Accidents is about sulcatas doing usual stuff not caring about stepping on and pushing neighbours).
4. Chronical stress - that's hard to assess. Just some tortoises losing weight, being less active than others, getting sick often... Easy to spot in pairs of the same species, though.
Points 3 and 4 probably require an "emergency" plan on separating tortoises by species or removing "a****holes" from the group.
Are there more reasons I have overlooked here?
P.S. this thread looks upsetting... reminds me of a school gang explaining "the rules" to a newcomer.
hey just read your post , number one would have to be one of the most important because you don’t want to get your tortoises sick by adding a new one with problems , so it’s best to keep the new one aside in its own habitat so it can be examined and make sure it’s healthy and good temperament to join the group , as for #2 and #3 that’s no problem where I am at , I have many plants and trees and bushes in their habitat for shade and I also have ponds for them to soak and relax and it’s a big space so they never have to worry about losing territory, and for food just feed them separately . Sulcatas should be fed grass and hay , and red foots can eat fruit , meat and other similar things . Just feed them in different places . As for #4 that’s up to you to keep an eye on your animals , regularly pick them up , interact with them , be with them , give them health check ups , what ever you have to do .also Sulcatas aren’t really agressive , that’s just the big bully males and that’s simple don’t buy a male and your all good with that 👍Can someone provide examples of troubles when mixing species? E.g. links to posts?
What I see about mixing species
1. Disease transmission - in a group living together for a long time it's less an issue. But when introducing new tortoises to the group this can happen - no matter if species match or not.
2. Different care requirements. This can be a factor, but both Redfoots and Sulcatas probably enjoy the climate. In more arid and hot regions this wouldn't work that nice - redfoots will require shaded and humid area. However, if they eat from the same dish - that's where problems may arise: fruit, animal matter and mushrooms will upset sulcata's stomach easily. This can be addressed.
3. Aggression and competion for resources (water dishes, basking spots, shade) and silly accidents. This probably is the most serious. Mixing species in zoos is a bad example here (I have seen a redfoot rushing and ramming Testudos in zoo exhibition). Some of such behaviour can be noticed (e.g. redfoot "basking" in a full midday sun when sulcatas sleep in shade), some is not that easy (e.g. when some tortoises don't self-soak). Accidents is about sulcatas doing usual stuff not caring about stepping on and pushing neighbours).
4. Chronical stress - that's hard to assess. Just some tortoises losing weight, being less active than others, getting sick often... Easy to spot in pairs of the same species, though.
Points 3 and 4 probably require an "emergency" plan on separating tortoises by species or removing "a****holes" from the group.
Are there more reasons I have overlooked here?
P.S. this thread looks upsetting... reminds me of a school gang explaining "the rules" to a newcomer.