How many tortoises can safely be together without problems?

[malonemadness]

I have a very big enclosed outside area about 24 ft X 17 ft. Only two Russian tortoises live there now. I see other tortoises needing a home in my area and I am tempted to adopt them. Not sure how many is too much, different sexes better than same?, and can different breeds live in harmony together?

 

[Jentortmom]

Unless you put a divider down the middle of your enclosure you should not house different species together, besides potential cross breeding or fighting, the new ones could be ill or need completely different enclosures/food. If you do add more russians you want to make sure you only have one male and then the rest females otherwise the males will fight. You have a large enclosure you might consider putting a divider down the middle and taking in more torts.

 

[malonemadness]

Unless you put a divider down the middle of your enclosure you should not house different species together, besides potential cross breeding or fighting, the new ones could be ill or need completely different enclosures/food. If you do add more russians you want to make sure you only have one male and then the rest females otherwise the males will fight. You have a large enclosure you might consider putting a divider down the middle and taking in more torts.

Thank you for the info. I thought I should keep them separate but I saw many on this and other web sites that have many different turtles and tortoises. I thought maybe they keep them together. I am still trying to figure out what sexes I have. One tortoise refuses to show me their tail. I will try again today.

 

[Jentortmom]

Take pictures of the underside (plastron) and the top side (carapace) we can try to sex for you.

 

[malonemadness]

Take pictures of the underside (plastron) and the top side (carapace) we can try to sex for you.

Thank you for the offer. I will get my camera out tomorrow.

 

[atoccy]

also please bear in mind that even if you are getting the same species as your tort a 6 month quarantine period is recommended

Wendy

 

[Bansh88]

Russians are known to fight.
As far as your enclosure, it sounds li8ke you have plenty of room for a couple roomates. Especially as far as adopting Tortoises that otherwise have a crummy existence.

 

[T-P]

You cannot mix different species, but if you section off certain areas of the enclosure you have now for your two russians, then you can have other species.
But make sure they dont mix! not even pass each other!

due to diseases, pathagons, and other things that could harm different species.