Reptile & Amphibian Forums

Hello,

I have two tortoises:
Hermanni Boetgeri and Geochelone Sulcata

Age:
Less than 3 years old

Size:
5 inches

Sex:
Both were thought to be females but after the events last night, this needs to be reconsidered.

Observation:
Last night while feeding them, the Herman tortoise suddenly started humping the Sulcata from behind.

The Herman went to perform at different directions around the Sulcata. Upon careful inspection, the Herman's reproductive organ has not touched the Sulcata due to its size.

The mating act lasted about an hour.

Questions:
What could have caused this behavour?
Aren't they too young to instinctually propagate?
Would it be possible for this two different species to successfully mate and have offsprings?
Can this have any health risk on either or both animals?

*Additional pictures will be posted soon.

1st picture

2nd pic

I agree w/ emysbreeder this is a dominance behavior as the sulcatta is nowhere near breeding size.Did you actually see the Hermans penis out?A plastron pict. Will give me an idea of gender males have an undeniably large tail base so if the tail isn't as thick as your finger it is probally female.

3rd picture

It is not breeding but a terratoral display that can happen with any sex to any species that are forced to be together in a small area. The Herman is just a alfa male showing aggression. The Herman is most likely breeding age and feeling his oats. They will not breed and produce anything but a very stressed out mountee. Get him a girlfriend of his own kind,they will both be happy'er.VM

Vic is correct.
This is dominance behavior.
Hermann's are notorious batterers.
This is another reason different tortoise
species should not be housed together.

I had a hermans beat the crap out of a sulcata once doing that....not a good idea!