Ok, I have a California desert tortoise (legally obtained....i'm guardian) and an African pancake tortoise that have been living wonderfully together for over a year now. I'd like to introduce some other species to their enclosure. Any ideas that won't mess up the good thing they've got going already?
2007-09-12 08:37:07 · 3 answers · asked by barefoot_yank 4 in Pets ➔ Reptiles
First off, before I start, I'd like to say the following is only my opinion and I am not criticizing you or anyone else who mixes species when it comes to tortoises.
I strongly feel tortoises should only be kept with members of their own species. There is a good amount of scientific data that suggest mixing species can be dangerous. Many tortoises, especially wild caught, may harbor not only parasites, but bacteria which may be harmless to the carrier. But when passed on to another species, can be deadly. The main way these are passed is tortoises love to eat poop. There's not much that can be done to prevent it unless you supervise them 24 hours a day and instantly remove any fecal matter. Also, they may go to the bathroom in the water, which will easily be passed on. Now I'm not saying this happens everytime, but it's happened to enough people that I feel it is not a good idea. Chances are that if your two tortoises have been together a while, they're probably okay.
I have two Sulcatas and two Russians. I would never in a million years let the Russians interact with the Sulcatas. My Sulcatas are captive bred, my Russians are not. I won't take any chances of my Sulcatas getting sick. It's not worth it, and I don't see any reason to let them interact.
Again, I'm not criticizing you or saying what you're doing is wrong. There are alot of people who keep different species of tortoises together. But if 10% of these people are having problems, that's enough for me to not make the same mistake. And so my answer is if you're looking for another companion, get the same species you already have.
2007-09-12 12:08:45 · answer #1 · answered by madsnakeman 7 · 5⤊ 0⤋
Ditto to Madsnakeman. I am a bit surprised the adoption agency did not comment on mixing the two species.
It is rarely a good idea to mix animals from different continents. The immune system differences are the big problem. A disease that is no big deal for one group can easily wipe out another.
Congrats, however, on caring for two difficult species!
2007-09-14 15:29:00 · answer #2 · answered by Madkins007 7 · 1⤊ 0⤋
I happen to agree with Mad Snakeman. The only other species I would consider adding to their environment are crickets! LOL!
(Although my big salcutta adopted a green anole while he was in his winter enclosure!The anole liked to lay on top of his shell and sunbathe under the UV light!)
2007-09-12 19:19:10 · answer #3 · answered by Darla G 5 · 6⤊ 0⤋