Reptile & Amphibian Forums

I have read as much information as I can find regarding tortoise behavior, and male aggression.

Are all common pet-trade species of tortoise aggressive? Is there any species that is less aggressive? Is aggression caused by mating rituals, nce issues, territory disputes, or all of the above?
Given enough space will male tortoises housed together work out their "pecking-order" and settle down? Or will they continue to fight? Do females fight?

This is a question more of curiosity. I do not currently own a tortoise, but I do, on occasion, rehab a few. My latest were a pair of Redfoots suffering from severe MBD and an RI. After a long period of proper diet, lights, heat, humidity and medication they were happy healthy torts when they left.

Some day soon I hope to own a few.
Thanks,
Shari

As usual, it depends on individuals, setup and a few other factors.

Males of many agressive species can develop a 'pecking order'.

I can't say that as a rule they are all agressive because in my experience with my collection and collections I've visited it seems to be split 50/50. The problems seem to occur on introduction and does usually work itself out. There is the uncommon occurance where some real damage is done but, as I said, this is not common.
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Ed
Tortoise_Keepers-subscribe@yahoogroups.com
Trying to keep the fun in Chelonian care