Reptile & Amphibian Forums

I've had a male Russian for about 9 years and recently acquired a female. After making sure that she was healthy, I attempted to introduce them together in the same outdoor pen (about 8'x 8'). The male is very agresssive, nipping at the female and chasing her around the pen. I'm not sure if this is mating behavior or if he's being agressive and is a threat to harm her. Any information is greatly appreciated.

Males are ornery, always "on the make", and dominant as well. In the wild, she could probably outrun the horny devil, and get out of his territory. In an 8 X 8,not so. Be sure she has a safe retreat (mine go underground into artificial burrows), you could create caves, burrows, thick vegetation etc. She needs a place to escape him, but make sure she still gets to feed etc. If you can't design something for her, you might need to separate them. Hibernate them and reintroduce in the early Spring, maybe they will breed. How large is she? Most tortoises that are imported are much too small, about 5 years or so away from breeding size. Big females seem to be better at fending off amorous males. If the environment does not offer shelter for the female, he may relentlessly haze her and create wounds, stress, intimidation. But if you cleverly provide shelters, you can make it work. Your male is behaving normally, it is up to you to provide her a safe shelter. Mine are together year 'round, breeding size, but I have had to separate them in the past. Good luck, vic h.