Help please. (showing dominance)

[valleysgirl2]

Hiya everyone I have 2 Hermann tortoises.. a 2 year old and a 15 months old both living in a tortoise table together however the 2 year old tried humping the 15 month old .. but wasn't being nasty to the other when trying to hump. Do you think I should separate them what's your thoughts on this please thanks in advance

 

[ZEROPILOT]

Yes.
You are correct.
They cannot/should not be kept together
They are solitary animals

 

[valleysgirl2]

Thank you I will put the other one in his own tortoise table

 

[SweetGreekTorts]

Definitely separate. Humping is also a bullying tactic to show dominance. Most species of tortoise do not do well in pairs because of their territorial instinct. The health of the smaller tortoise will begin to suffer if they are kept together, it will hide more and eat less to avoid contact with the larger tortoise.

 

[ZEROPILOT]

A whole lot of new keepers buy a "pair".
Then find out there are issues. Sometimes right away issues.
You are not alone and its great that you are able to correct the situation so quickly

 

[valleysgirl2]

I bought Sheldon and he was on his own for a while so I thought I should buy littlefoot they been fine together for a week but today Sheldon was being dirty and tried humping lol I will separate them now..i will not let littlefoot suffer the health of both my tortoises is more important