Fighting

[creygout]

I was sold two tortoises together and never told I would have any problems with them. They are nearly two years old and since I've had them only one had gained weight and size. More and more in the day they just run up and down the enclosure following each other and making a mess. They also climb over each other and go head to head sometimes. Is this a sign that I need to put them seperately now? I have out up a picture of what they have done to the water bowl in around 3 hours. Thanks for any advice

 

[bouaboua]

Get them different enclosure ASAP. What you observed is the dominate one are bully the other one so that one are not gain much weight. S/he is under so much stress right now. Get them separate enclosure soon.

Most Tortoise are solitary creature.

About the water bowl....single torts can and will make mess too. My wife just change the water out couple times a day.

 

[Floof]

To be perfectly honest, they should have been separated the moment you noticed one wasn't gaining/growing. Now with the blatant, outward aggression added in... Yes, most definitely, separate them!

Did you get them from a pet store, or someone who wasn't caring for them right? Pet stores will often tell people pairs will be fine (when they generally are not!) or, worse, that they "need" a companion to get the extra sale. Moreover, they and many of those they sell to just have no idea that it isn't okay. Humans tend to want to put human emotions on everything, such as assuming that, because they need company, their pet reptile must also need company!

 

[akbecker]

Sorry to hear that. I had similar problems, and now have three enclosures for three tortoises. But I am glad this forum is here and that I could learn from so many others with more experience! I ended up installing two 80 sq ft enclosures in my sister's back yard [she doesn't live far so I still consider them my torts ]. Her two year old loves the torts. I think the harder part is finding space inside for winter when I can't keep them outdoors. Good luck!

 

[wellington]

Bad info given too you. All over this forum it's not recommended except for certain species and circumstances. Get them separated now and hopefully the one being bullied will come around.

 

[creygout]

Yes I got them both from a pet store and was told they would be fine together, at the pet store they have around 10 in a small enclosure ! I will seperate them as soon as possible, but may have to sell one if worst comes to worst as I do not have much room for two enclosures. Hopefully I can persuade my parents to let me keep both!! Thanks for all of your help

 

[wellington]

If it helps, build one enclosure over top the other. Takes up less floor space. Good luck

 

[WillTort2]

I would also change the substrate. I see what looks like wood slivers or chips.

Many on the forum would advise against this due to lack of moisture and possibility of ingestion and blockage.

I like a mix of top soil and coco coir.

Good luck

 

[Tom]

Looks like the pet store gave you all sort of bad advice. Sorry about that.

They should never be kept in pairs. Groups sometimes do okay, but not always.

That substrate is much too dry. What is the humidity in your enclosure? Should be at least 40-60%.

That water bowl is not good for tortoises either. Terra cotta plant saucers sunk into the substrate works the best.

Did the pet store sell you a coil type UV bulb too? Those can damage their eyes.

I see a grape in the food bowl. Fruit is not good for them. They should be eating lots of weeds, certain leaves and flowers, cactus pads, etc... Here is a list of suggestions for better foods:
Mulberry leaves
Grape vine leaves
Hibiscus leaves
African hibiscus leaves
Blue hibiscus leaves
Rose of Sharon leaves
Rose leaves
Geraniums
Gazanias
Lavatera
Pansies
Petunias
Hostas
Honeysuckle
Cape honeysuckle
Leaves and blooms from any squash plant, like pumpkin, cucumber, summer squash, etc...
Young spineless opuntia cactus pads

Weeds:
There are soooooooo many...
Dandelion
Mallow
Filaree
Smooth Sow thistle
Prickly Sow thistle
Milk thistle
Goat head weed
Cats ear
Nettles
Trefoil
Wild onion
Wild mustard
Wild Garlic
Clovers
Broadleaf plantain
Narrow leaf plantain
Chick weed
Hawksbit
Hensbit
Hawksbeard

Other good stuff:
"Testudo Seed Mix" from http://www.tortoisesupply.com/SeedMixes
Pasture mixes or other seeds from http://www.groworganic.com/seeds.html
Homegrown alfalfa
Mazuri Tortoise Chow
ZooMed Grassland Tortoise Food

 

[creygout]

Yes they said they would be good in pairs, and told me that the best thing for them is wood chip and sold the water bowl with the enclosure. The light isn't a coil one i can upload a picture of it tomorrow morning to see if it is ok for them. I will change both enclosures as soon as I can and hope they can be happier. I will also change their diet starting tomorrow and give them a better life with me. Thanks so much for all of your help I really appreciate it, sucks that the pet stores don't know as much as you guys!!!