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- Jun 19, 2012
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Hi I'm new to the forum, just wanted to ask, I have the option to buy one or two Sulcata tortoise. I want to ask if tortoises like companionship, or it is ok for them to live alone?
Question.
- Thread starter Sulcata520
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In the wild, tortoises are generally solitary creatures. The roam over large distances, meet up to mate and then move on.
They don't get lonely and don't need company.
In captivity, the spaces are very much smaller and, as they grow, torts start to defend their food and territory. Regardless of sex, tort fighting (and tort mating for that matter) involves butting, biting and mounting. Blood can be drawn. The loser becomes withdrawn and can become ill and die.
Groups of 3 and more tortoises can work in large enclosures, preferably outdoors, where a single tortoise can avoid being the focus of attention. A pair however is a recipe for trouble.
If you get two tortoises, you have to be prepared to accept that they may have to live separately on a permanent basis.
They don't get lonely and don't need company.
In captivity, the spaces are very much smaller and, as they grow, torts start to defend their food and territory. Regardless of sex, tort fighting (and tort mating for that matter) involves butting, biting and mounting. Blood can be drawn. The loser becomes withdrawn and can become ill and die.
Groups of 3 and more tortoises can work in large enclosures, preferably outdoors, where a single tortoise can avoid being the focus of attention. A pair however is a recipe for trouble.
If you get two tortoises, you have to be prepared to accept that they may have to live separately on a permanent basis.
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