Female Mounting

[Stacey_Jo]

Hello, I have 3 female hermanns tortoises. Two of them were from the same breeder and have been together for 6 years and the 3rd is of the same age and joined them 3 years ago. One of the original tortoises has started mounting the other two in what looks like a sex act. Could this be a dominating thing even though they've all been together so long or could this be something else? Theyre 7 this year.

[sandy]

Originally Posted by Stacey_Jo

Hello, I have 3 female hermanns tortoises. Two of them were from the same breeder and have been together for 6 years and the 3rd is of the same age and joined them 3 years ago. One of the original tortoises has started mounting the other two in what looks like a sex act. Could this be a dominating thing even though they've all been together so long or could this be something else? Theyre 7 this year.

Have they been with a male in the last three years?
If so one could well be gravid (carrying eggs). As mounting is a sign of this:0)
It also could be one trying to be alpha female.