I have a question and am wondering if anyone on this forum can offer some insight to share. Tortoises seem to grow at different rates, even within the same species, and even from the same clutch. What about the impact of keeping tortoises in groups versus keeping them separately, or in a smaller group? Would that be expected to impact growth. For the sake of this question, let's assume that there is enough room per tortoise, and the issue is not a much larger or more agressive cagemate intimidating a smaller tortoise. My question simply revolves around the impact of group keeping versus keeping alone. Thanks in advance. -Larry in NYC
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Tortoise Growth Principles
brugaugler
Nov 01, 2005 02:12 PM
Replies (1)
mrand
Nov 01, 2005 05:03 PM
hi larry,
russian tortoises grow fastest in their first year, growth tails off dramatically after that. i have seen the best growth in group housed hatchlings. i find that the torts are much more likely to eat when others are eating. call it "piggy behavior" or hypothesize that food smells are released from the chomping of others.
warm night temps (70-75 f.) has produced the best growth results. most likely because digestion continues through the night and helps to keep their appetites up.
matt
