Lonely?

[Gaelle]

I know this subject might have been treated before, but I just wanted to know whether tortoises can get lonely? I know they tend to live alone in the wild and only come across other tortoises every now and again... What are your thoughts? Should they always be kept in groups in captivity? Is it cruel or sad to keep one tort on its own?
Thanks guys!

[boothy]

i had wondered about this question. I had one star then bought a second who was few months younger. They certainly seem very happy, choosing to spending most of their time together. I find that it also helps in feeding, one feeding encourages the other to get stuck in.

Stephen

[NATURALIS]

Originally Posted by Gaelle

I know this subject might have been treated before, but I just wanted to know whether tortoises can get lonely? I know they tend to live alone in the wild and only come across other tortoises every now and again... What are your thoughts? Should they always be kept in groups in captivity? Is it cruel or sad to keep one tort on its own?
Thanks guys!

in the wild they do live alone but cross paths with other tortoise's quite often , my opinion is they seem more active when kept in a group, they seem to interact with each other in many ways.

[sky]

Mine seem to thrive being together!!!

[clanks76]

Think i'm definately going to get Sandra a brother or sister. Just the thought of keeping them apart for so long is awful. Can you just sub divide the same house or should you keep them in totally seperate houses?

[Pussygalore]

my hatchlings certainly seem to like each other's company, they all sleep in a heap and generally react to each other but you always have to remember that they are babies and don't have the sexual urges of adults. You always have to be prepared that you might have to keep them apart when they get to their 'teens' and certainly as adults so if you don't have the space and don't want to maybe have to rehome one then stick with the one.

[EJ]

It's a reptile... I really don't think there is an actual 'knowing' of a mate. That would fall under the heading of emotions which I really don't think a reptile has.

I personally believe that the interaction of more than one animal does add stimulation and activity which is usually a good thing but I really don't think that a lone tortoise gives a crap one way or the other.

While many tortoises do live alone in the wild there are many that do not and tend to congregate in groups... Redfoots, Aldabras and Galaps are some that come to mind. Water turtles are another chelonian which tend to hang out in groups on occasion.

Originally Posted by Gaelle

I know this subject might have been treated before, but I just wanted to know whether tortoises can get lonely? I know they tend to live alone in the wild and only come across other tortoises every now and again... What are your thoughts? Should they always be kept in groups in captivity? Is it cruel or sad to keep one tort on its own?
Thanks guys!

[Star]

I have six torts, the first two I bought together and they don't leave each others side (I have had them for a LONG time now).

The others I have re-homed. I found that most of the others were on their own, but since joining my group, they have paired up and hang out together (sounds wired, but the do).

The two younger ones hang out together, and the other two that were brought up on their own, have paired up. They all get on very well, but they also seem to enjoy being with their partners.
X

[TortBabe]

I have a little horsefield who is alone, and he doesn't seem bothered about it

[Star]

Some tortoise owners here keep one tortoise and they seem thrive alone.

x