getting billy a friend

nikita0113 · 02-03-2011, 05:44 PM

ive just been having a chat with my mum and were thinking off getting billy a friend as i dont want him to be lonely would i be able to do this or should i just leave him on his own?

**16 shells** · 02-03-2011, 05:50 PM

Another Tortoise i think you mean, this would be best quarantined, kept apart.

nikita0113 · 02-03-2011, 05:55 PM

for how long ?

**16 shells** · 02-03-2011, 06:04 PM

6 month's minimum is a guide, also you have to consider mixing sexes, when they are of breeding size males can harass females, if they can not get away.

**Bindi** · 02-03-2011, 06:04 PM

Hi there
I've copied this from a post I made this morning, hope you don't mind, saves me typing it again!

Ok, before you decide whether to get a companion for your tort there are a few thing to consider.

Before introducing a tortoise to an existing, it is highly recommended to quarranteen the new animal. This can be anything from a couple of months to 18 months, I wouldn't do anything less than 6 months. Because of this you are going to need two set ups for at least 6 months

As your tort is so young it unlikely to be able to sex it accurately, and assuming you would get a tort of a similar age then the same would apply.

Best case scenario is that they both turn out to be female, in which case it is highly likely they would live in harmony with no problems.

If they turn out to be two males, there is the chance they could fight, although the bigger the space they have, the less likelihood there is of this being a problem. However, you would need to be prepared to separate if necessary

Having one male one female has it's own problems, as when they start to reach sexual maturity the male would start harassing the female causing her stress. A decent ratio of males to females is 1:3 (at least)

So, as you can see, lots to think about

I'm sure others will be along to add their own opinions

nikita0113 · 02-03-2011, 06:15 PM

my vet told me he was a boy because of his tail end and he trys mounting a ornimant tortoise ive put in there before to how he would act im really unsure what to do now incase i get another boy and they fight billys getting a new table soon which is very big thats why i wanted him a friend

**16 shells** · 02-03-2011, 06:44 PM

Lot's of people add another when young i did, but you have to be aware they may need separating in the future.

**16 shells** · 02-03-2011, 06:46 PM

Sound's like a male, also females can act this way, showing dominance.

nikita0113 · 06-03-2011, 09:08 PM

hi all when i went into pet shop yest when i went for my dragons food and the pet shop guy ive dealt with said i shouldnt get another as it maybe to distressing for him so im not getting another thank you all for your advise though youve been a help x

woodenshoes · 13-08-2011, 10:17 PM

Hey, Justt read this thread and wondering What is meant by quarantined?

02-03-2011, 05:44 PM	#1
nikita0113 Junior Member Egg Join Date: Feb 2011 Posts: 17	getting billy a friend ive just been having a chat with my mum and were thinking off getting billy a friend as i dont want him to be lonely would i be able to do this or should i just leave him on his own?

02-03-2011, 05:50 PM	#2
16 shells Super Moderator Adult Join Date: Jan 2007 Location: Hull Posts: 7,286	Another Tortoise i think you mean, this would be best quarantined, kept apart. __________________ Paul.

02-03-2011, 06:04 PM	#4
16 shells Super Moderator Adult Join Date: Jan 2007 Location: Hull Posts: 7,286	6 month's minimum is a guide, also you have to consider mixing sexes, when they are of breeding size males can harass females, if they can not get away. __________________ Paul.

02-03-2011, 06:04 PM	#5
Bindi Super Moderator Adult Join Date: Oct 2007 Location: Hampshire Posts: 11,157	Hi there I've copied this from a post I made this morning, hope you don't mind, saves me typing it again! Ok, before you decide whether to get a companion for your tort there are a few thing to consider. Before introducing a tortoise to an existing, it is highly recommended to quarranteen the new animal. This can be anything from a couple of months to 18 months, I wouldn't do anything less than 6 months. Because of this you are going to need two set ups for at least 6 months As your tort is so young it unlikely to be able to sex it accurately, and assuming you would get a tort of a similar age then the same would apply. Best case scenario is that they both turn out to be female, in which case it is highly likely they would live in harmony with no problems. If they turn out to be two males, there is the chance they could fight, although the bigger the space they have, the less likelihood there is of this being a problem. However, you would need to be prepared to separate if necessary Having one male one female has it's own problems, as when they start to reach sexual maturity the male would start harassing the female causing her stress. A decent ratio of males to females is 1:3 (at least) So, as you can see, lots to think about I'm sure others will be along to add their own opinions __________________

02-03-2011, 06:44 PM	#7
16 shells Super Moderator Adult Join Date: Jan 2007 Location: Hull Posts: 7,286	Lot's of people add another when young i did, but you have to be aware they may need separating in the future. __________________ Paul.

02-03-2011, 05:55 PM	#3
nikita0113 Junior Member Egg Join Date: Feb 2011 Posts: 17	for how long ?

02-03-2011, 06:15 PM	#6
nikita0113 Junior Member Egg Join Date: Feb 2011 Posts: 17	my vet told me he was a boy because of his tail end and he trys mounting a ornimant tortoise ive put in there before to how he would act im really unsure what to do now incase i get another boy and they fight billys getting a new table soon which is very big thats why i wanted him a friend

02-03-2011, 06:46 PM	#8
16 shells Super Moderator Adult Join Date: Jan 2007 Location: Hull Posts: 7,286	Sound's like a male, also females can act this way, showing dominance. __________________ Paul.

06-03-2011, 09:08 PM	#9
nikita0113 Junior Member Egg Join Date: Feb 2011 Posts: 17	hi all when i went into pet shop yest when i went for my dragons food and the pet shop guy ive dealt with said i shouldnt get another as it maybe to distressing for him so im not getting another thank you all for your advise though youve been a help x

13-08-2011, 10:17 PM	#10
woodenshoes Junior Member Egg Join Date: Jul 2011 Location: South Wales Posts: 10	Hey, Justt read this thread and wondering What is meant by quarantined?

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