Growth Issues

[Eric Jensen]

I purchased two Sulcata Tortoises at the same time which were out of the same family. They have been enclosed together from birth as well as eat / sleep together. One of them is growing quite rapidly, while the other one doesn't seem to be growing at all. They both pretty much sit and the food dish until its completely gone and have access to hay 24x7. Any ideas as to what the problem is? I stay in Upstate, NY in a suburb of Rochester, not sure if I should find a Vet that deals with Tortoises to get it evaluated. Thank you...

--Eric Jensen

 

[Jodie]

There is a chance that the little one is experiencing a significant amount of stress being housed with the other tort. Tortoises are territorial and solitary. Very obscure bullying is likely happening. You wouldn't be able to see it, but that poor tortoise is trying to get out of the others area and can't.
The 1st thing I would do is move the larger tortoise to a new enclosure. See if your little one gets any better in a month or two.

 

[Tom]

Also, read these for more info. There is a lot of incorrect outdated info on care for these guy's.
http://www.tortoiseforum.org/threads/how-to-raise-a-healthy-sulcata-or-leopard-version-2-0.79895/
http://www.tortoiseforum.org/threads/beginner-mistakes.45180/
http://www.tortoiseforum.org/threads/for-those-who-have-a-young-sulcata.76744/


Tortoises should never be house in pairs. This is most likely your problem. Have you got weights on them? How old are they and what do they weigh?