Sulcata pairs

[Luismaela]

So it appears I made the mistake of adopting 2 baby Sulcatas. I've been reading information about aggression and tortoises possibly killing each other. I don't want this to happen. Is this always the case or will it be possible to raise them together?

 

[Tom]

They should not live together as a pair ever. There does not need to be overt obvious hostility for this to be a problem. Many people think they are "friends" because they follow each other around, eat together and "cuddle" at night. All of these things are subtle signs of tortoise aggression and one tortoise is telling the other to beat it, and get out of its territory. Of course in the confines of an enclosure, the more submissive one cannot leave. This is stressful for both of them. Just seeing the other tortoise on the other side of the enclosure can be stressful.

It is not likely that a baby is going to physically attack another baby, but that doesn't mean it isn't a problem for them to live together as a pair. You should separate them ASAP. It is no problem to keep two tortoises, just give each one its own enclosure.

 

[Luismaela]

If I can not afford to make another enclosure should I sell the other one?

 

[wellington]

If you can't keep both separate there is no other choice then to sell or give away one of them.

 

[Souptugo]

Hello. Good on you for figuring this out. It's very difficult to give up a pet but it's much easier to give one up BEFORE you grow more attached to it. You will be doing the right thing for both of them. Just make sure the other one goes to a good home. If you do give it up, please tell them to join this forum to get the right information for the Sulcata's care. Best of luck.

 

[Cowboy_Ken]

Is this always the case or will it be possible to raise them together?

I adopted in this pair together. They were raised together and although they never got into "fist-a-cuffs" with each other, they did all the "snuggling and cuddling" that Tom speaks of. You tell me if it looks like they, "got along just fine"?

 

[Fredkas]

I adopted in this pair together. They were raised together and although they never got into "fist-a-cuffs" with each other, they did all the "snuggling and cuddling" that Tom speaks of. You tell me if it looks like they, "got along just fine"? View attachment 205205

Gosh i feel like i can feel the sadness of the smaller one. This is a very nice example with very good picture as a proof.

 

[Luismaela]

Wow this really sucks. What about dividing the aquarium I have? Well if there is anyone in the Houston area feel free to contact me.

 

[Sobergrower]

I adopted in this pair together. They were raised together and although they never got into "fist-a-cuffs" with each other, they did all the "snuggling and cuddling" that Tom speaks of. You tell me if it looks like they, "got along just fine"? View attachment 205205

Wow. This is exactly my tort, I just got the smaller version of this unhappy pair

 

[Maggie3fan]

Wow. This is exactly my tort, I just got the smaller version of this unhappy pair

 

[ZEROPILOT]

Wow. This is exactly my tort, I just got the smaller version of this unhappy pair

Some pairs show mild to moderate agression that is harmful due to stress. And many times this goes on because the keeper involved either is oblivious to what's going on, or for whatever reason refuses to listen.
While other pairs end up with missing limbs. Serious health issues or death. And at this point it's too late to try to help.
We can only warn people based on our own experiences and just HOPE that they believe us.
This 6 year old post is just as relevant today.

 

[Sobergrower]

I was wondering why my tort was so small compared to the other one, the other one is pretty normal looking, my torts shell is all disfigured poor guy

 

[Tom]

I was wondering why my tort was so small compared to the other one, the other one is pretty normal looking, my torts shell is all disfigured poor guy

Separate them and watch the little one begin to thrive.

 

[Maggie3fan]

Separate them now...The bigger tort is a bully...here's Mary K...she's alone in the pen...never put 2 Sulcata together...
this is Sam...he was bigger than Mary K and he was bullying her, so he got kicked out...
Mary is alone and better for it...

 

[Sobergrower]

Separate them and watch the little one begin to thrive.

It’s been about 3 weeks & the last few days especially have been a huge improvement in personality! Finally started walking around & exploring
I’ve been told it’s 3 years old..not sure what gender

 

[Sobergrower]

It’s been about 3 weeks & the last few days especially have been a huge improvement in personality! Finally started walking around & exploring
I’ve been told it’s 3 years old..not sure what gender

Also that piece of red by its eye is left over of a very small piece of strawberry because it seemed to be searching for something colorful (not green- like the pink ball)

 

[zovick]

It’s been about 3 weeks & the last few days especially have been a huge improvement in personality! Finally started walking around & exploring
I’ve been told it’s 3 years old..not sure what gender

From what I can see, it looks like a female, but it is a bit early to be positive of that.