lost friend

[ajb234]

My friend has a Russian and had a succulent that has been with it for 40+ yrs. The succulent passed away this morning and she is worried about Raphael, the Russian. Will he be okay? Should she replace the succulent? Any input is appreciated. Thank you.

 

[Yvonne G]

Why buy trouble? Just go with the flow and see how the tortoise reacts. I've never heard of a tortoise becoming attached to a plant, though.

 

[wellington]

Seriously, I really don't think the tortoise will care. Wouldn't worry about it.

 

[tortdad]

Are we talking about a dead plant here?

 

[Momof4]

I think she meant sulcata? Auto correct doesn't like the word!

 

[ajb234]

Why buy trouble? Just go with the flow and see how the tortoise reacts. I've never heard of a tortoise becoming attached to a plant, though.

I meant sulcata. Sorry

 

[ajb234]

Are we talking about a dead plant here?

No, another tortoise.

 

[ajb234]

Here's a pic of them both.

 

[Momof4]

Those both look like Russians to me.
No, he won't be lonely. Tortoises don't need or want a buddy. He will probably be happier in the long run.
What happened to the other tort?

 

[ajb234]

Seriously, I really don't think the tortoise will care. Wouldn't worry about it.

It was another tortoise and the one is running all over now searching for his friend???

 

[ajb234]

Those both look like Russians to me.
No, he won't be lonely. Tortoises don't need or want a buddy. He will probably be happier in the long run.
What happened to the other tort?

He had a respiratory infection and a fungal issue in his mouth. She had taken him to a vet that specializes in them a week and a half ago and again 4 days ago. Was giving him shots every 72 hrs and other meds. The other one seems healthy. She took both of them to the vet the first time, just in case, but Floyd seemed to be the only one having issues.

 

[ajb234]

They were fond of each other! Raphael was the more dominant one, who's one top. He's the one still alive.

 

[wellington]

It was another tortoise and the one is running all over now searching for his friend???

Oh, see, I thought it was a plant. That's too bad. But, a russian and a sulcata should not be housed together anyway. Also, they are two tortoises that really like and should be kept by themsleves if not in a large group of their own kind. It could be very dangerous and unhealthy to add a new tort. I would bet anything the one will be fine in a short time.

 

[ajb234]

Oh, see, I thought it was a plant. That's too bad. But, a russian and a sulcata should not be housed together anyway. Also, they are two tortoises that really like and should be kept by themsleves if not in a large group of their own kind. It could be very dangerous and unhealthy to add a new tort. I would bet anything the one will be fine in a short time.

Thanks for the input. I now believe they were both Russians. Like I said, they've been together for a long time. My friend has had them 10+ yrs and the lady she got them from had had them for 25+ yrs before that. Thanks again

 

[wellington]

I didn't pay attention to the pic, sorry. They are both russians. I just seen where someone posted about a sulcata. It is still not safe to keep tortoises in pairs. She was one of the lucky ones that could do it. Howver, that does not mean she would get away with it again. She would be better off with just the one.

 

[Yvonne G]

Russians don't do well in pairs. The remaining tortoise will be much happier now that he is alone in the habitat. That last picture shows dominant/breeding behaviour, and it's not friendly. It's harassment.

 

[Tidgy's Dad]

It is very sad that Floyd died but i think what you have been told is right.
It will make Raphael happier in the long run.
Tortoises are solitary animals and my Tidgy is a happy healthy girl who loves her own company.
Raphael will soon be the same.

 

[ZEROPILOT]

Raphael will be better off. Tortoises, especially Russians, do NOT like company.

 

[Gillian M]

I too believe that torts are better off ALONE-they just do not like company. Bullying could have begun and one of them could have hurt/injuried the other.

 

[Levi the Leopard]

When I first separated my Russians (because of dominance and aggression) the aggressor (raphael in your case) searched all over for the missing tortoises which were now in a separate enclosure. I don't think he was affectionately looking for them, rather pacing his territory to confirm the intruders were gone. Within no time, he settled down and enjoyed solo living.