Tortoise death advice

[abee_fell_]

Hi there

It's probably been a decade since I last posted on this forum! This week, I lost one of my Horsfields at the age of 15. Very sad, and a lot of guilt surrounding it all. I just wondered, what's everyone's experience with death and how do other tortoises left deal with the change? Our late Mustard lived with her brother since hatchling. It makes me so sad to see her brother alone!

We've carried out all the necessary deep clean and actually moved his home because she passed in their table.

How do we move on from this and do tortoises actually experience stress/grief. I'm sure I maybe overthinking all of this!

Here's a photo of my late pretty lady Mustard.

Thanks

 

[Alex and the Redfoot]

Hello!
I'm sorry to hear about your loss. It's never easy to take.

Tortoises are solitary animals in nature and have rather basic social skills. So no grief and sadness. Since you've raised both together from hatchlings, Mustard likely has some behavioral patterns tied to the presence of the second tortoise and it will take time to re-adjust. Depending on if she was dominating or dominated in a pair this can go easier or harder. But eventually she will be fine, sole queen of her own kingdom. Please, resist temptation to get her a "roommate".

And once again, my sincere condolences...

 

[Nsav]

Sorry for your loss.

 

[144 Grandpa Turtle]

Sorry for your loss

 

[The_Four_Toed_Edward]

So sorry for your loss.

 

[Littleredfootbigredheart]

I’m so so sorry for your loss! As touched on above, tortoises do not do well in pair dynamics, especially Russians, a male and female pair definitely would not work long term as is sadly the case, a male with continue to harass a female and the stress from that can sadly take its toll over time.

Again I’m so very sorry! At least you know now and know not to get him another cage mate, he will take time to adjust to this however as a pair dynamic is what he’s been used to.

You’re in my thoughts

 

[abee_fell_]

Thank you all for your kind messages and advice! Yes... as sad as our little Honey Monster seemed to look yesterday by himself (we named them Honey and Mustard before they were sexed!), he seems pretty happy with himself today roaming around his new bachelors pad!

Your right too he was a feisty little man. We were lucky never to have to split them up, I think he'll be fine X

 

[TammyJ]

Hello!
I'm sorry to hear about your loss. It's never easy to take.

Tortoises are solitary animals in nature and have rather basic social skills. So no grief and sadness. Since you've raised both together from hatchlings, Mustard likely has some behavioral patterns tied to the presence of the second tortoise and it will take time to re-adjust. Depending on if she was dominating or dominated in a pair this can go easier or harder. But eventually she will be fine, sole queen of her own kingdom. Please, resist temptation to get her a "roommate".

And once again, my sincere condolences...

Mustard is the one that died.

 

[TammyJ]

We are sorry for your loss, of course, but Honey the male tortoise is not sorry, because it's a fact that tortoises do not do well living in pairs. He will be quite ok as long as he is healthy now.
Why do you think Mustard died?
No pictures were posted.