I haven't had this pair for very long (3 weeks) but the male (19" bottom plate) roams the yard eats a lot and seems very happy. Day time temps 65* to 75 degrees. The female (16"bottom plate) prefers to stay in her house , eats very little and rarely comes outside without I move her out in the sun. Is this normal?
Do Sulcata Tortoise Hibernate ?
- Thread starter Jaebird
- Start date
Your tortoises are exhibiting the standard for keeping tortoises in pairs. You'll find your female much more outgoing once you give her her own space, away from the male. Male sulcata tortoises have only one thing in mind when in the same enclosure with a female - chase her down and breed her, and once a day isn't what he wants. It's every time he sees her. Consequently, she'll stay hidden and out of his sight.
. . . and no, they don't hibernate.
They also not only need to be separated now before he kills or badly injures your female they need a basking temp of 95-100 to warm up under to properly digest their food.
Depending on their age, they will need a steady temp of 80 and no lower.
Posting a pic of enclosures and giving all the temps, humidity diet etc. will help us help you and them much better
Depending on their age, they will need a steady temp of 80 and no lower.
Posting a pic of enclosures and giving all the temps, humidity diet etc. will help us help you and them much better
One more vote agreeing with Yvonne.
No, they don't hibernate.
Tortoises should never be kept in pairs.
They need to be kept warm at night, and cold days too.
In summer, they will need to burrow to escape the intense AZ heat.
Thank you so much!
