Is this suitable

[sellwin90]

Good afternoon,

I'm in the process of wanting to purchase 2 Horsfield Tortoises and was looking for some help.

I was going to purchase the vivarium in the images provided and was looking for an opinion on it. It is 4'x15"x15" in size and includes a heat lamp, heat mat, and 2 fluorescent bulbs.

What other items would I need to purchase and what other things should I consider before delving into the world of being a tortoise owner.

Thanks!

 

[Tyanna]

That is too small for two tortoises, even one. For one Russian tortoise, the smallest recommended size is 4x8.

 

[russian/sulcata/tortoise]

welcome to the forum! tortoises are solitary animals, have 2 in the same cage will stress and injure them both. the cage is not big enough for even 1 russian/horsefeild tortoise.

 

[sellwin90]

What sort of size for two tortoises do I need to be looking at? Any pictures of examples would be great, or even a link to a recommended viv?

 

[Tyanna]

You shouldn't keep them in pairs. They can be very aggressive to the point where the less dominant one might even pass away.

Go to the enclosures section on the forums and scroll through, there are some really great and cheap ideas to build your own.

 

[Tom]

Minimum size I recommend for a single adult russian is 4 feet by 8 feet. They need a lot of room to move around and walk.

Tortoises should almost never be housed in pairs, especially a highly aggressive territorial species like the russian. If you want two, house them separately with each one in their own enclosure. Sometimes they can be kept in groups in large enclosures with one adult male and several females, but that doesn't always work either. Be prepared to house every single one of yours separately if need be.

Here are some threads to explain further:
http://www.tortoiseforum.org/threads/russian-tortoise-care-sheet.80698/
http://www.tortoiseforum.org/threads/beginner-mistakes.45180/
http://www.tortoiseforum.org/threads/pairs.34837/

 

[Gillian M]

Welcome to the forum!

I think russian/sucalta/tortoise is right: torts like lonliness, they aren't in need of company.

 

[Yvonne G]

Hi, and welcome to the forum!

In my opinion, you should only buy one tortoise...unless you have room to set up two habitats and keep them separately. Tortoises don't want or need company. They will just fight if you put them together . And Russian fights can be pretty bloody. You see more than one together at the pet store, but that's because none of them have claimed their small container as their territory. They are merely surviving at the pet store, not thriving.

You might be able to get by with that viv for ONE Russian tortoise. It's still on the small side, but you might be able to get away with it. And be thinking about an outdoor yard for the tortoise once the weather warms up. They need to live outside.

 

[johnsonnboswell]

15" is very narrow. It's an awkward size once you put in a suitable water dish. You might be able to make it work with a very small tortoise though.

Please listen to everyone who advises you to get only one tortoise. They are not sociable and they can do terrible damage to each other. Don't find out the hard way.

Start with one. Then consider later if you have room outdoors for a group, and if you have room indoors for separate habitats.

 

[sellwin90]

Thank you everyone!

I am now only going to get the one tortoise, and I've changed my enclosure to a tortoise table, size 43" x 24" x 24" ... is this better? I have a small garden too so I'll create something for him/her to be outside in the summer months.

Any advice on whether to get a Hermans tortoise or a Horsfield? I live in the UK, in Devon, if that makes any difference.

 

[Yvonne G]

The Hermanni are very beautiful, and, according to my sister who has one, they have lots of personality. I vote for a hermanni.

 

[katfinlou]

I have a Hermanns too, she is wonderful and I swear she has so much personality. My vote has to go to Hermanns!!

 

[Yellow Turtle01]

I'm baised toward russians, but I hear hermanns are awesome too
I just have to say that russians can tolerate a bit cooler temperatures, which might be a little bit better for outdoor time depending on your weather

 

[HotdogKnight]

Thank you everyone!

I am now only going to get the one tortoise, and I've changed my enclosure to a tortoise table, size 43" x 24" x 24" ... is this better? I have a small garden too so I'll create something for him/her to be outside in the summer months.

Any advice on whether to get a Hermans tortoise or a Horsfield? I live in the UK, in Devon, if that makes any difference.

Welcome! I'm from Wiltshire, UK, it's always good to see another islander on here!
I'm getting a Russian mostly due to their smaller size and the fact they don't need night heat, which is great for us, plus they have great personalities! I dunno if you've decided yet hope you enjoy it though!