Introduction of a new tortoise

[Clint5498]

We received two tortoises 5 months ago that we’re hatched in captivity And the owner kept one. She gave us the third tortoise today and the original two are fighting the siblin. Any suggestions?

 

[Yvonne G]

Well, we're going to need a bit more information, Clint. How old are these tortoises? Are they indoors or outside? What species are they. Anything will help us to help you better.

At first glance, I'd say the two are telling the new tortoise to get out of their territory. Tortoises are territorial, and regardless if they were all out of the same clutch or not, the third tortoise hasn't lived with your two for five months. They don't hold any kind of sibling recognition. Far as they're concerned, he's an outsider.

 

[Clint5498]

Well, we're going to need a bit more information, Clint. How old are these tortoises? Are they indoors or outside? What species are they. Anything will help us to help you better.

At first glance, I'd say the two are telling the new tortoise to get out of their territory. Tortoises are territorial, and regardless if they were all out of the same clutch or not, the third tortoise hasn't lived with your two for five months. They don't hold any kind of sibling recognition. Far as they're concerned, he's an outsider.

Thanks, that helps. They are indoors in a 6’ X 4’ enclosure. They are now about 8 months old. We tried to put a see through fence between them, hoping that they would get used to each other. It does not seem to help. They are native Arizona desert tortoises. The parents have been in captivity about 23 years.