Reptile & Amphibian Forums

Can anyone advise me on a problem I have with my male Hermanns Tortoise. I got him from people that couldn't look after him and really had no idea on feeding and housing etc. He is 4 years old and very vicious,he chases and bites at our legs and feet all the time he is out. We have another much,much older female tortoise, different speices who doesn't come into contact with him as he bites at her face and feet. The problem is that when he came to us he was off his food, we tried everything and eventually got him to eat,everything was fine for a few months and then he starts to starve himself again. This goes on and on like a vicious circle and we can't stop him from doing it. Also he seems very sexually active for such a young tortoise,we did some reading up and it said they don't become sexually mature until they are eleven or more. He is constantly laying on the feet of our electric heater when it's off and masturbating for want of a better description. Please can anyone give us any help or advice as to what we can try,our vet says he should be destroyed if he keeps starving himself but thats too easy to give up on an animal that has had such a bad start in life. Any information/advice would be greatly appreciated. Many Thanks Lisa from London

Hey Lisa
I came across your message, and my dad had a conclusion that maybe your male Hermanns Tortoise being sexually active would like to meet my female Hermanns Tortoise.
My tortoise was abandoned and we found her in bad shape. She is fit and happy today just seeking a mate. She is the only tortoise that we have; I think she may be confused as she hasn't seen a tortoise of her own type. She chases after our cats and tried to eat our snake.
It is just a suggestion for them to meet, it is totally your decision, and I will respect what you decide.
I just live 20 minutes from London in Surrey. This is my email address if you are interested: s_a_babe@hotmail.com
I look forward to hearing from you
From Kate xxx