Biting

[gieseygirly]

I have two leopard tortoises - one is just over a year old and the other around 4 months old. I've soaked them together, kind of like an introduction, and caught the older one sniffing the younger's arms/legs, and then going in for the chomp. The older one loves mazuri - is it possible he is just mistaking the little one's limbs as food? Or is he being aggressive in stating that this is "his turf and he is the boss"?

 

[JoesMum]

No. This is territorial and bullying. Your torts need to be kept separately as this will only get worse and the little guy may well become sick and could die.

Torts are largely solitary in the wild, they have large territories which they roam alone. They meet up to mate and move on. They don't get lonely or need or want company.

Pairs of torts rarely work in captivity, especially in the confines of indoor enclosures. In large outdoor enclosures, groups of 3 or more can work, but there are no guarantees.

 

[gieseygirly]

Thank you for the response