Aggression (Redfoot)

[Spencer]

Is this type of behavior normal or something I should be concerned with? Is there too much of a size difference between these guys to be housed together? Too small of an enclosure (40gl breeder)?

 

[Yvonne G]

You've left out too much of the equation for us to be able to really help or know what you're talking about.

 

[Spencer]

Tried to post a video but I guess I don't know how. Anyway, I have two RF the larger one is approx 4.5"-4.75", the smaller is 2.75"-3". As I understand they are about 3.5-4 yrs old and 1.5yrs old respectively. The larger one is biting at the smaller one's shell. I don't know if this is a sign of dominance or aggression? Any help with video? I can email it.

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More photos showing the size difference

 

[pfara]

Redfoots are known to be more social compared to other tortoises. It doesn't mean too much seeing as how tortoises for the most part are solitary creatures. Also, when I had a problem with tortoises biting, it was because there was a pathway that was too narrow for two tortoises; they were also only 3 months old at the time. It happened for two days at most and promptly ended. Did you get both at the same time? If not, did you re-do your enclosure when you introduced the new one (hopefully after a quarantine period)? From what I've read, introducing a new tortoise into an enclosure makes the current occupant feel as though there is someone in HIS territory and thus decides to defend it. Rearranging things so that the enclosure seems new to both tortoises might reduce their need to be territorial. A larger enclosure also helps give them their own spaces so that they eventually learn to co-habitate. Pictures of the enclosure, info on temps/humidity/diet can help.

 

[Spencer]

I had them in separate enclosures for about two months after I got them. After that they were moved into a larger enclosure, new to both of them.

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Diet consists of mainly leafy greens, usually romain, kale, spinach or escarole with fruits and protein about once every week or 10 days. I spray the enclosure twice a day maintaining the humidity between 70 & 90% temps always 80-90

 

[ascott]

While some species are "less" aggressive, they still can and are aggressive....I have had two pairs show aggression and have had to make now 4 enclosures for each of them here....the two younger ones here started out at about the same size, while one was approx 6 + months older than the other ---the younger one literally doubled in size quickly...then he began the dominance dance and would not let up...so they are now both happily in their own space....the smaller older one is a baby from a different line than the younger larger one...so that size difference luckily was not due to bullying but due to their make up....

The older two came to me as a "pair" "who just love cuddling"...what this actually was ; two torts forced to reside together, after observing them for a little while noticed very aggressive behavior/pattern, I separated them and the shy/ailing tort began to show personality, it took several months but is actually a very fun and pushy tort---just not aggressive as the prior roommate....

So, please do understand that while this species is "usually" less aggressive, it can and does happen....some will say if you have multiple torts it is less of an issue....well, in my "personal" belief, you also run the chance of having dominant torts in your group and it may not work out that way....

 

[Spencer]

Thank you all for the feedback.