Hello from Alpine, California

[DianeS]

I have had my Sulcata’s for 13 years. Two males. One (Crush) had gown a bit larger than the other (Monster). For the past 3 days, Crush is flipping Monster over. I think though Monster is being the aggressor and since Crush is bigger, he flips him over.

I have witness Monster, a few days ago, raise himself up on his front legs, as high as he can go, it also appears he is hanging his junk out. (gross) this last for about 5 minutes. Anyway, could this possibly mean that it is mating time?? Is Monster trying to show Crush he is tough?? They both travel back and forth

along a wooden fence line, when they run into each other, Monster tries to go through/ over Crush. Even if Crush goes a different way, Monster follow him. I have to check on the all day, yesterday he was flipped 3x’s. They both have a very nice large heated house that they share, that doesn’t seem to be a problem. What do you think? Any suggestions on what to do?
first time posting, not sure how this works

 

[Cheryl Hills]

You really should seperate them. This is aggressive behavior. They can and sometimes do kill each other. Tortoises are territorial and loners. They don’t like company. Specially two males.

 

[DianeS]

Thank You for your response. I have noticed today that Monster is trying to mount Crush. When I took them to the Vet, a while back, I was told they are two males. Maybe this is a mating time??? I did separate them. Monster is being very agressive

 

[T Smart]

Thank You for your response. I have noticed today that Monster is trying to mount Crush. When I took them to the Vet, a while back, I was told they are two males. Maybe this is a mating time??? I did separate them. Monster is being very agressive

Yes, separating them is a good idea.

If you want to, we can clarify the sexes. Just post a picture of their plastron / tail area.

Best,

-Thomas

 

[Yvonne G]

Many years ago I saw a picture of a sulcata that had been rammed in his side by another sulcata. The picture was very gross-looking. In the intervening years I've tried to find that picture to no avail. It would be a wonderful deterrent to people who insist upon keeping two sulcatas together. The poor rammed tortoise's shell was split open on the side and you could see his organs, etc.

Quite a few keepers get by keeping a group of tortoises together, but very seldom does the pair thing work.