One or Three?

[kjr153]

I have been told that Sulcata's do not do well in pairs. What is better one, all alone or a group of three? Just want to make sure my tort is not too lonely.

 

[Jacqui]

Your tortoise probally will not be lonely. We humans "think" we know they prefer being alone, but until we can read each others minds I am withholding my opinion. That said, the first real question should be (in my humble opinion) do you have the room to house three adults? Then other questions such as these come to mind: Can you, if only one ends up being a female or if they just plainly don't get along, divide your yard into more then one suitable habitat? Do you have the money to fully support three adults? Do you think you could deal with eggs (if one or more turn out to be females)?

I think for most folks one is the best number, even though they are so cute and adorable that they wrap us around their little legs causing us to want more... and more.

 

[kjr153]

Room is not an issue at all. It's not even that I want more because they're so cute. Don't get me wrong, they're adorable. It is just a matter of loneliness or not. I have read some of Tom's post saying when there is another tort it can stress the other out. Even though they do not visibly "fight" it could still cause mental stress. I didn't know if that went for groups as well. I guess I better just stick with this one. I'm sure one day he'll have the dog as his friend

 

[Shannon and Jason]

Hi and welcome to the forum. I myself agree with jacqui and Please post pics once you get your lil one or ones

 

[lovelyrosepetal]

I know you were just kidding about the dog being your tort's friend, but for members who have lost their tortoises to dogs and for members who's tortoises have been hurt by dogs, it isn't really much to joke about. Even the best trained dogs can do what dogs do. I would just be content with you being your tortoises friend.

 

[kjr153]

I wasn't joking about the dog being his friend. I think the problem arises when it is unsupervised play. I certainly was not trying to offend anyone.

 

[Tom]

My observations: The best case scenario for a tortoise is to be the sole king of the castle. He/she then gets all the food, the best basking spots, the best sleeping spots, and the people tend to have a much better relationship with the tortoise, as opposed to a group. They certainly dont need or want the competition. They don't get lonely, and if they want or need interaction they will get it from their people.

 

[Blakem]

My observations: The best case scenario for a tortoise is to be the sole king of the castle. He/she then gets all the food, the best basking spots, the best sleeping spots, and the people tend to have a much better relationship with the tortoise, as opposed to a group. They certainly dont need or want the competition. They don't get lonely, and if they want or need interaction they will get it from their people.

I like this opinion. Nice way to put it.