So I'm the proud owner of two 8 month old marginated tortoises purchased from Chessington Garden Center, I've got the vivarium, books, food and suppliments and they seem very happy, they do tend to climb in their food and get their salad mix balls on their shells and legs, do I need to try and clean them and what with, they also climb in their water bowl which tends to clean the underneath of their shell but not the top, should I be treating their shell with any oil or anything? Bel.x.
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- Thread starter Bel
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A very warm welcome to the forum, @Bel ! 
Please read the "Beginners Mistakes" Thread and the care sheets. You'll find a lot of useful info. And do not hesitate to ask any question when in need of help. That's what we're here for!
Would you please post pics of your torts and the enclosure?
Please read the "Beginners Mistakes" Thread and the care sheets. You'll find a lot of useful info. And do not hesitate to ask any question when in need of help. That's what we're here for!
Would you please post pics of your torts and the enclosure?
Hello and welcome from Kent UK
We are lucky on TFO to have species experts working hard to correct the outdated care information widely available on the internet and from pet stores and, sadly, from some breeders and vets too.
As suggested, I recommend you read
Beginner Mistakes
http://www.tortoiseforum.org/threads/beginner-mistakes.45180/
Marginated Tortoise Care Sheet
http://www.tortoiseforum.org/threads/marginated-tortoise-testudo-marginata-care-sheet.98564/
If you would like to post pictures of your enclosure and and lighting we will be happy to check it over for you.
Now for the less good news concerning pairs.
Tortoises are solitary creatures that don't want, need or particularly like company. Another tortoise is simply competition for food and space. Regardless of gender, both physical and mental bullying are common which results in the failure of the subordinate tortoise to thrive.
Groups of 3 or more may succeed in a very large outdoor enclosure (minimum 1.5x2.2 metres per tortoise); pairs rarely do.
If you keep these two together, I recommend that you plan for separating them as soon as practicable.
This thread concerns Russians, but illustrates the point
http://www.tortoiseforum.org/thread...together-a-lesson-learned-the-hard-way.94114/
We are lucky on TFO to have species experts working hard to correct the outdated care information widely available on the internet and from pet stores and, sadly, from some breeders and vets too.
As suggested, I recommend you read
Beginner Mistakes
http://www.tortoiseforum.org/threads/beginner-mistakes.45180/
Marginated Tortoise Care Sheet
http://www.tortoiseforum.org/threads/marginated-tortoise-testudo-marginata-care-sheet.98564/
If you would like to post pictures of your enclosure and and lighting we will be happy to check it over for you.
Now for the less good news concerning pairs.
Tortoises are solitary creatures that don't want, need or particularly like company. Another tortoise is simply competition for food and space. Regardless of gender, both physical and mental bullying are common which results in the failure of the subordinate tortoise to thrive.
Groups of 3 or more may succeed in a very large outdoor enclosure (minimum 1.5x2.2 metres per tortoise); pairs rarely do.
If you keep these two together, I recommend that you plan for separating them as soon as practicable.
This thread concerns Russians, but illustrates the point
http://www.tortoiseforum.org/thread...together-a-lesson-learned-the-hard-way.94114/
Hi, Bel, and welcome to the forum!
It certainly IS ok to wash off your tortoises. You are supposed to be soaking them daily for about 15 minutes anyway, so at the end of their soak, just take a small brush and clean them all off.
It certainly IS ok to wash off your tortoises. You are supposed to be soaking them daily for about 15 minutes anyway, so at the end of their soak, just take a small brush and clean them all off.
Hello, Bel, and a very warm welcome to Tortoise Forum.
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