New Russian owner - compatibility question

[Hubes]

Hello everyone. I just acquired a CB 2009 Russian who is very cool. As an avid herper (I have literally had hundreds of lizards and snakes in years past) and a bio major (hence the hundreds; the scientist always wants to make sure the husbandry is going well by having the critters reproduce), it's very easy to become equally interested in tortoises now. Some like my wife would say it's more of a disease. I'm sure many here can relate.

I'm interested in getting a cherry head red foot 2008 or 2009 hatchling, and am wondering what you think about keeping the two youngsters together. Their present indoor enclosure would be sufficient for their size, with of course expansion over time. They would not be kept outdoors here in the temperate Pacific Northwest. Do you think there are material differences in humidity and diet such that this arrangement would not work out? Based on my research, I'm currently thinking this should be okay with some attention.

And hey, if anyone has a cherry head red foot hatchling they are willing to sell, let me know.

Thanks for reading.

Hubert

 

[Meg90]

I think that is a bad idea.

Russians and Redfoots come from VASTLY different climates.

Cherries are shy, secretive tortoises. They come from heavily forested areas. They like ALOT of humidity, lots of cover and very little light. The ideal setup for them is moist substrate, a low light UVB tube and a ceramic heat emitter for warmth, and lots of plants and hiding places.

Russians on the other hand, are a desert species. They like things dry, and hot, and don't mind open spaces as long as hides are available. The ideal setup for them is dry substrate, with a humid area in one portion of the enclosure (a humid hide stuffed with moist moss etc) bright desert lighting, and a very hot basking area (usually provided by an Mercury Vapor Bulb such as Trex which provides UVB and heat all in one)

Putting two in one setup sacrifices care for one, if not both animals. And bad care causes stress. And as babies, stress can kill.

To mix species is also a bad idea. The bacteria and pathogens vary from one species to the other, and mixing could be deadly.

Also, there should be a 6 month quarantine MINIMUM before any tortoises are introduced, to make sure the new one is healthy and sound and will not infect the existing tortoise.

There is also the competition for food and other resources to keep in mind. Hatchlings compete violently for food and basking spots etc. Because in the wild, only the strongest survive. Even your tiny little hatchling could cause some major damage to another tortoise of his size.

So no, IMO this is a very bad idea.

I would not recommend this kind of thing to anyone, let alone a newbie.

 

[Maggie Cummings]

It is the worst idea to mix species. Each species carries pathogens indicative to it's own species and those pathogens could conceivably make the other tortoise sick or dead.
AND They need vastly different husbandry. One likes it wet, one comes from the desert...so NO, you can't or shouldn't mix the two species.