Which tortoise to keep?

[orgetorix]

So it finally happened. After over 8 years together, my 2 CDT finally got into it. They had been separated for the last 4 years or so but finally went outside in the yard together. I watched them quite closely for a month or so and exactly what I had hoped would happen, did: complete disinterest. I mean, I never even saw them in the same area before. They had different sleeping areas and I had set up 2 water and feeding stations, with them allowed to roam wherever they pleased to forage.

Well, after 6 months of this, something changed. Today one was trying to bite the other. I went to separate them and he was surly as all hell. He was stomping around and tried to snap at my toe. I moved him to the other side of the yard and he made a beeline back to his brother (or sister). This did not seem to be mating behavior but very aggressive. I immediately toom the aggressor inside and plan on trying to separate the yard.

If separating them does not work out, and I have to rehome a tortoise, which one do I keep? The aggressor has always been more outgoing but he's also kind of a jerk. The other is more timid but is way more social. I'd feel awful about getting rid of either, but I have to do what's best for the animals. I am not yet worried about finding them a place since I know of a few folks that would be well-positioned to care for a tortoise that I trust. Any opinions?

 

[Yvonne G]

I would keep the more people friendly one.

 

[wellington]

Tortoises of either sex should never be kept in pairs. It never works. Luckily you found out before real damage was done
They will be fine and happy living alone. If you don't have the room to give them a good size appropriate enclosure and need to rehome one, I would keep the more out going one too

 

[orgetorix]

Thank you for the replies. I had known for awhile that this might be the unavoidable outcome, but was hoping that they're years of close contact and seeming indifference to each other would last. I am currenlty devising a plan to separate and possibly rehome. The problem is, the outgoing one is less social than the more timid one. Does that make sense? He is very outgoing and unafraid, but not the nicest boy. The other one is quicker to shell up but is usually the one coming over for a quick scratch or to play in the hose etc.

 

[Tom]

Thank you for the replies. I had known for awhile that this might be the unavoidable outcome, but was hoping that they're years of close contact and seeming indifference to each other would last. I am currenlty devising a plan to separate and possibly rehome. The problem is, the outgoing one is less social than the more timid one. Does that make sense? He is very outgoing and unafraid, but not the nicest boy. The other one is quicker to shell up but is usually the one coming over for a quick scratch or to play in the hose etc.

First, keep both. Divide the yard and make a double door night house so you only have to heat one box. Here is an example:

Double Door Night Box

As the years have gone by and I build more of these boxes, I learn more and more each time. This one is the latest and I incorporated everything I've learned over the years. I also tried to take lots of pics so I can explain in more detail some of what is going on. It will take multiple posts to...

tortoiseforum.org

If you just really don't want to keep both, then it's likely that the more timid one won't be as timid when its tormentor is finally gone after all these years. You saw indifference. It wasn't indifference. The two tortoises saw resource competitors and intruders in the territory. It's just luck that they both decided to keep their heads down and not be confrontational with the other, but they were both well aware of the situation and stressed by it. It's like a little kid keeping a low profile at school when he sees the bully across the playground. They weren't fine with each other at any point in all those years.

 

[EppsDynasty]

I completely agree with Tom....keep em both. But if you just cannot please look up Joshua Tree Reptile Haven on YouTube. It is my families sanctuary and in just 16 months has become the largest Forever Home Tortoise Sanctuary by simply caring no matter what. Here's a short.....

As Wellington stated it just won't work. I actually just posted about this but in regards to big male Sulcata here's the link.......

Why small conflicts in males is still deadly

We rescued a 165 pound male Sulcata named Lumpy ...his name is changing. He was kept with his 2 brothers for 28 years, until they came to us, we immediately separated them. We always hear that "They just need to figure it out." well this is a result of that mentality. The previous owner took...

tortoiseforum.org

I commend your attentiveness to this it is truly one of the most important things as a tort parent to do...and your doing it, right on.