Getting Along

[bigdog]

I was wondering how well a few (3 total) tortoises would get along. Besides having the bigger one ~35lb female who lives outside, I have 2 smaller ones that about about 18mo old and weigh about a pound each. Right now the little ones are inside in a tank but would like to put them outside to wander around.

Do you think the bigger one would hurt the little ones?

Thanks.

 

[Yvonne G]

There's just no way of telling. Some tortoise don't want ANY interlopers in their territory, and some just don't seem to care.

 

[Tom]

I agree with Yvonne. Only one way to find out.

I would try introducing them on neutral territory though. Pick a place that none of them have ever been and put them all down at some distance from each other and see how it goes. I find that doing this on a full stomach and toward the end of the day increases chances of success. Mine are usually less rambunctious closer to bedtime.

 

[bigdog]

Thanks for the tips, I know with dogs (and even horses) you are supposed to introduce them with a fence between them. I wasn't sure how social tortoises are (for example would the big one try to bite the head off the smaller ones) and didn't want anything bad to happen. Do these guys ever get aggressive like that?