A companion for my Horsfield?

sydney · 03-12-2008, 04:36 PM

Hi all,

I was thinking at some point in the future of buying another tort for my 07 Horsfield (Sydney). However, i've heard that 2 males don't particularly get along too well and also, a male and female combination would need to separated at times although i would be more than happy to breed them.

I'm worried that if i did get one and they both turned out to be male, they would have to live completely separate, defeating the object of getting a companion for Sydney?

As the sex of my Tort is still unknown, would it be wise in purchasing another Horsfield soon, or should i wait until the sex is determined? If i hang on for a few years, will this mean that ideally i will need to find another one of the same size/age?

Your advice is very much appreciated

Brad.

Joanne2407 · 03-12-2008, 05:14 PM

It is totally up to you as to whether you wait for a couple of years to get another tortoise or to get one now. You are correct in saying that two males may fight and, therefore, need to be separated and that this may also be the case if you have a male and a female. I think that the best advice is to do what you think would work best for you. If you don't want to have to seperate the tortoises in the future then I would say to wait until you know the sex of your current tortoise and go from there. (A little warning - female horsfields are hard to come by)

Hope this helps until someone else comes along,
Joanne xx

CJ · 03-12-2008, 06:08 PM

Hmmm, tricky one! If it was me, I'd get another one now because I think it will be easier to get one of similar age (and because I wouldn't be able
to wait for a couple of years!!

) But if you do, you need to make sure you have a spare table or something to put the new tortoise in if they do fight. You will also need to quarantine your new tortoise for at least 6 months before you introduce the two of them.

sydney · 03-12-2008, 07:44 PM

Thanks for your advice Joanne and CJ.

I'd like to think i'll wait for a while, but i don't think i can wait

sandy · 03-12-2008, 09:06 PM

If you have a large enough enclosure, then fighting can be limited. As if you have enough things to break up the line of sight they can see each other so well

And having two males does not always mean fighting. But you have to be aware that they can fight. All this applies to male and female things too.
Having a large enclosure limits it all.

sydney · 04-12-2008, 09:12 AM

Thanks Sandy.

What do think would be a suitable enclosure size for two 2 year old horsfields?

Brad

03-12-2008, 04:36 PM	#1
sydney Member Egg Join Date: Nov 2008 Location: Redditch, West Midlands Posts: 59	A companion for my Horsfield? Hi all, I was thinking at some point in the future of buying another tort for my 07 Horsfield (Sydney). However, i've heard that 2 males don't particularly get along too well and also, a male and female combination would need to separated at times although i would be more than happy to breed them. I'm worried that if i did get one and they both turned out to be male, they would have to live completely separate, defeating the object of getting a companion for Sydney? As the sex of my Tort is still unknown, would it be wise in purchasing another Horsfield soon, or should i wait until the sex is determined? If i hang on for a few years, will this mean that ideally i will need to find another one of the same size/age? Your advice is very much appreciated Brad.

03-12-2008, 05:14 PM	#2
Joanne2407 Member Juvenile Join Date: Apr 2008 Location: Tyne and Wear Posts: 903	It is totally up to you as to whether you wait for a couple of years to get another tortoise or to get one now. You are correct in saying that two males may fight and, therefore, need to be separated and that this may also be the case if you have a male and a female. I think that the best advice is to do what you think would work best for you. If you don't want to have to seperate the tortoises in the future then I would say to wait until you know the sex of your current tortoise and go from there. (A little warning - female horsfields are hard to come by) Hope this helps until someone else comes along, Joanne xx __________________ xx

03-12-2008, 06:08 PM	#3
CJ Senior Member Sub Adult Join Date: Oct 2007 Location: Herts Posts: 1,280	Hmmm, tricky one! If it was me, I'd get another one now because I think it will be easier to get one of similar age (and because I wouldn't be able to wait for a couple of years!!) But if you do, you need to make sure you have a spare table or something to put the new tortoise in if they do fight. You will also need to quarantine your new tortoise for at least 6 months before you introduce the two of them.

03-12-2008, 09:06 PM	#5
sandy Senior Member Adult Join Date: Jun 2006 Location: Kent UK Posts: 12,146	If you have a large enough enclosure, then fighting can be limited. As if you have enough things to break up the line of sight they can see each other so well And having two males does not always mean fighting. But you have to be aware that they can fight. All this applies to male and female things too. Having a large enclosure limits it all. __________________ < > 60+, keeping ibera, graeca and box turtles \0/ /_\ http://groups.yahoo.com/groups/tortoisefriends

03-12-2008, 07:44 PM	#4
sydney Member Egg Join Date: Nov 2008 Location: Redditch, West Midlands Posts: 59	Thanks for your advice Joanne and CJ. I'd like to think i'll wait for a while, but i don't think i can wait

04-12-2008, 09:12 AM	#6
sydney Member Egg Join Date: Nov 2008 Location: Redditch, West Midlands Posts: 59	Thanks Sandy. What do think would be a suitable enclosure size for two 2 year old horsfields? Brad

Currently Active Users Viewing This Thread: 1 (0 members and 1 guests)