Hello

I am new to this site and it is fantastic. I am a brand new mummy to a baby tortoise and this site has really put my mind at rest over a lot of little concerns that I had. Thank you very very much.

Any way, what I would like to know is can Tortoises live happily alone? I bought my little 10 month old Spur Thigh, Alfie, two weeks ago. He came from a recommended breeder and is UK born & breed. The breeder still has a few more left and I was wondering wether I should get Alfie a friend?? I have heard so many different opinions so I would be very very grateful to any advice.

Thank you

Hi,

I originally had only one hatchling tortoise but I found she was really timid and never wanted to do anything except hide away. She wouldn't eat or anything. So four weeks later I got a second hatchling from Helen, one of the ladies that run this site and neither my tortoises nor myself have ever looked back. My original tortoise was so much happier with a friend. I haven't regretted getting a second tortoise for a moment. 

Rachel

Thank you Rachel.

This is all very confusing isn't it!! Alfie never hides way, not even at bed time - he is always out and about and eats really well.

My concern is that I may end up with 2 males or a male and a female and this is not a good combination is it?

Julie

This question did worry me also but the advice given to me was if they both turn out to be males,the fact that they have lived all their lives together would probably lessen the likelyhood that they would fight. So I took the chance and got a second. When my two are old enough to be correctly sexed I intend to rehome a male or female tortoise depending on what I've got. Only if I have two males will I not rehome simply due to the fact that I haven't the space to house enough female tortoises to keep two males happy.

Rachel  

I have decided to just keep Alfie for the time being. I hope I have made the right decision. He seems really happy - he is currently charging round his outdoor enclosure in the sunshine. I dont think he'll want tea tonight, he hasn't stopped eating since I put him out there!!
Julie