Two male Hermanns? Help, please!

carys · 21-08-2011, 06:22 PM

I currently have an eighty+ year old Hermanns tortoise.
He's been in my family for decades, and until two winters ago lived peacefully with another mature male tortoise.

We have been offered the chance to rehome another mature Hermanns tortoise. Has anyone else had any luck with two males? I'm getting nervous that my previous experience was a fluke.

We have a split level garden, and so if needs be - they can be kept out of eyesight from each other and have separate shelter too.

**Bindi** · 21-08-2011, 06:56 PM

I would imagine that as long as they have lots of space and plenty of places to get away from each other there is every chance they would be ok. I would just keep an eye on them and see how they go (after quarantine)

sky · 21-08-2011, 07:13 PM

I have had 2 males, Yes they did knock one another about just after hibernation, then lived in harmony, until the spring and we start over again. I have would have no problems having 2 males. Go for it!!! Good luck. x

carys · 21-08-2011, 07:46 PM

How long would you recommend for quarantine?
Can I include hibernation in that time?

I was planning on keeping them separate and then introducing them in spring..

**Bindi** · 21-08-2011, 08:46 PM

If you re not planning on overwintering your new tort then i would say that's a plan

I usually stick to 6 months minimum quarantine before introducing a new tort

carys · 21-08-2011, 08:52 PM

Thanks for the responses and the advice. It's been a great help! Thank you.

I've never overwintered a tortoise - would you recommend it for the new tortoise then?

**Bindi** · 21-08-2011, 08:57 PM

Ummm, it's a good idea to overwinter a new tort, to keep an eye out for any illness they may have. Having said that it's soemtimes easier said than done in an older tort.

If you have the facilities and space to overwinter it may be worth considering, or at least have a relatively short hibernation

carys · 21-08-2011, 09:05 PM

Thanks.

I'll do some serious research into it and speak with the previous owners of the tortoise and make a decision.

My vet is great (he even keeps tortoises himself) and so he'll be going for a full check-up as soon as he's settled, to check for any issues.

(Speaking of which, how long do I need to be a member before I can PM an admin with a recommendation of a vet?)

**Bindi** · 21-08-2011, 09:13 PM

1 more post to go Carys, you need to have made 5 posts before you can PM

Speaking to the previous owners is a great idea, find out as much as you can, it should help you make your decision. Sounds like you have a good vet too, an essential bit of tortoise kit!

carys · 21-08-2011, 09:16 PM

Thank you for the help, Bindi. That's great!

21-08-2011, 06:22 PM	#1
carys Junior Member Egg Join Date: Aug 2011 Posts: 20	Two male Hermanns? Help, please! I currently have an eighty+ year old Hermanns tortoise. He's been in my family for decades, and until two winters ago lived peacefully with another mature male tortoise. We have been offered the chance to rehome another mature Hermanns tortoise. Has anyone else had any luck with two males? I'm getting nervous that my previous experience was a fluke. We have a split level garden, and so if needs be - they can be kept out of eyesight from each other and have separate shelter too.

21-08-2011, 06:56 PM	#2
Bindi Super Moderator Adult Join Date: Oct 2007 Location: Hampshire Posts: 11,157	I would imagine that as long as they have lots of space and plenty of places to get away from each other there is every chance they would be ok. I would just keep an eye on them and see how they go (after quarantine) __________________

21-08-2011, 07:13 PM	#3
sky Senior Member Adult Join Date: May 2008 Location: South Wales Posts: 2,901	I have had 2 males, Yes they did knock one another about just after hibernation, then lived in harmony, until the spring and we start over again. I have would have no problems having 2 males. Go for it!!! Good luck. x __________________ Kayx 2.7.4 THB 0.3.0 Gpigs 1 grumpy husband

21-08-2011, 08:46 PM	#5
Bindi Super Moderator Adult Join Date: Oct 2007 Location: Hampshire Posts: 11,157	If you re not planning on overwintering your new tort then i would say that's a plan I usually stick to 6 months minimum quarantine before introducing a new tort __________________

21-08-2011, 08:57 PM	#7
Bindi Super Moderator Adult Join Date: Oct 2007 Location: Hampshire Posts: 11,157	Ummm, it's a good idea to overwinter a new tort, to keep an eye out for any illness they may have. Having said that it's soemtimes easier said than done in an older tort. If you have the facilities and space to overwinter it may be worth considering, or at least have a relatively short hibernation __________________

21-08-2011, 07:46 PM	#4
carys Junior Member Egg Join Date: Aug 2011 Posts: 20	How long would you recommend for quarantine? Can I include hibernation in that time? I was planning on keeping them separate and then introducing them in spring..

21-08-2011, 08:52 PM	#6
carys Junior Member Egg Join Date: Aug 2011 Posts: 20	Thanks for the responses and the advice. It's been a great help! Thank you. I've never overwintered a tortoise - would you recommend it for the new tortoise then?

21-08-2011, 09:05 PM	#8
carys Junior Member Egg Join Date: Aug 2011 Posts: 20	Thanks. I'll do some serious research into it and speak with the previous owners of the tortoise and make a decision. My vet is great (he even keeps tortoises himself) and so he'll be going for a full check-up as soon as he's settled, to check for any issues. (Speaking of which, how long do I need to be a member before I can PM an admin with a recommendation of a vet?)

21-08-2011, 09:13 PM	#9
Bindi Super Moderator Adult Join Date: Oct 2007 Location: Hampshire Posts: 11,157	1 more post to go Carys, you need to have made 5 posts before you can PM Speaking to the previous owners is a great idea, find out as much as you can, it should help you make your decision. Sounds like you have a good vet too, an essential bit of tortoise kit! __________________

21-08-2011, 09:16 PM	#10
carys Junior Member Egg Join Date: Aug 2011 Posts: 20	Thank you for the help, Bindi. That's great!

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