animateash
New Member
We are new the the tortoise scene. We are preparing to adopt a CA desert tortoise with the help of our local fish and game/ tortoise society. I had initially applied for a 60yr old female I saw advertised, but the tortoise society said they had many other candidates in more dire need of an improved living situation than that particular one. I did stress to all parties involved I was leaning toward a female tortoise, to avoid dealing with any male aggression (or humping of objects in the yard). Having raised a male parrot and gone through the hell of a confused, upset, single male bird, I figured a female might be easier for us as first timers.
Today I asked if the tortoise society had any particular candidate in mind for me yet. I was sent a very charming photo of a tortoise who is male, 50yrs old.
So, I'm hesitant. I want to believe the tortoise group has been matching people for a while and they know who would be good for who, despite multiple mentions of me thinking of going with a female. I have been assured these tortoises are super personable and there won't be any male aggression issues, but I can't seem to find any definitive info online as to whether his urge to get frisky may result in other behaviors (digging, wanting to escape to "find love", etc), or how strong these urges may be at 50.
Does anyone have any insights for a first time desert tortoise owner, potentially getting a male? Things you wish you had known before you got yours? Am I totally backwards and males are easier?? This guy looks like a sweetheart, but I want to be responsible by making sure I'm prepared for the behaviors to come.
Today I asked if the tortoise society had any particular candidate in mind for me yet. I was sent a very charming photo of a tortoise who is male, 50yrs old.
So, I'm hesitant. I want to believe the tortoise group has been matching people for a while and they know who would be good for who, despite multiple mentions of me thinking of going with a female. I have been assured these tortoises are super personable and there won't be any male aggression issues, but I can't seem to find any definitive info online as to whether his urge to get frisky may result in other behaviors (digging, wanting to escape to "find love", etc), or how strong these urges may be at 50.
Does anyone have any insights for a first time desert tortoise owner, potentially getting a male? Things you wish you had known before you got yours? Am I totally backwards and males are easier?? This guy looks like a sweetheart, but I want to be responsible by making sure I'm prepared for the behaviors to come.