Hermann’s and Russian

[Grace-Sophia]

Hello all, can I have my Hermann’s and Russian in a 16’ outdoor enclosure together? I’ve seen people do it before, but I have a feeling that you aren’t supposed to, I thought I’d double check though!

 

[PollyAda]

No is the simplest answer! Your feeling is correct. Different species need to be kept separately.

 

[Grace-Sophia]

No is the simplest answer! Your feeling is correct. Different species need to be kept separately.

Thank you! Is this because of territorial threat or is it because of potential disease spread? Can two testudos spread sickness to one another?

 

[Grace-Sophia]

can they be taken outside together and be in the same general area while I watch them? Of course I wouldn’t leave them alone together but I would just love to get a photo of them together! 🥹
@wellington

 

[wellington]

Two tortoises should never be together and species should never be mixed for both reasons you mentioned, pairs/territorial and diseases, etc.
If they can walk over the same ground then that's a possible transmission

 

[ZEROPILOT]

I completely agree.
No.

 

[Tom]

Hello all, can I have my Hermann’s and Russian in a 16’ outdoor enclosure together? I’ve seen people do it before, but I have a feeling that you aren’t supposed to, I thought I’d double check though!

Definitely not. Species should never be mixed for both of the reasons you mentioned.

Further, they should not even be in the same outdoor enclosure at different times.

Many people take risks with this sort of thing because they just don't know better and have not yet encountered a problem with disease or aggression. Once they do, they wish they had known better BEFORE the damage was done. You now know better, and one or more of your tortoises does not have to die for you to learn this lesson.

 

[Grace-Sophia]

Definitely not. Species should never be mixed for both of the reasons you mentioned.

Further, they should not even be in the same outdoor enclosure at different times.

Many people take risks with this sort of thing because they just don't know better and have not yet encountered a problem with disease or aggression. Once they do, they wish they had known better BEFORE the damage was done. You now know better, and one or more of your tortoises does not have to die for you to learn this lesson.

Is there a way to get my Russian tested for herpes to ensure the safety of my Hermann?