aw, just to be different...

[ Follow Ups ] [ Post Followup ] [ The Tortoise Forum ] [ FAQ ]

Posted by Niki on July 27, 2000 at 23:23:54:

In Reply to: Leopard Tort too small? posted by Dave Hogan on July 26, 2000 at 22:14:25:

Certainly parasites could be an influence.

However there are other factors involved with
growth including genetics and sex (m/f difference).

What strikes me though, is your remarks that they
are in the same enclosure. Of course one animal
is going to be dominant and get the most food, best
basking places and all kinds of little perks that
add up to overall better growth. These are
seemingly small things, but over a few months
produce noticeable differences in size.
The dominating effect does not have to be obvious
to you such as biting/pushing/bumping/posturing-
torts won't appear that aggressive - certainly
not always true especially with adults.
Whether you see it or not, one of these little
guys is asserting himself - mild bullying and this
inhibits and intimidates the other one, which may
be shyer and somewhat less inquisitive and active.

If they were mine, I'd seperate them and allow
each to again have their own space, best basking
spots, best opportunity to eat. I had to do
this with my geckos, subtle as their little
posturing is towards each other, it's there.
They both do fine seperately. niki

My Sulcata Theodore

Follow Ups:

Re: aw, just to be different... Dave Hogan 07/28/00 (0)
I guess I just ruled diet and temp back in for you n/p Niki 07/27/00 (0)

Post a Followup

Name:
E-Mail:

Subject:

Comments:
: Certainly parasites could be an influence. : However there are other factors involved with : growth including genetics and sex (m/f difference). : What strikes me though, is your remarks that they : are in the same enclosure. Of course one animal : is going to be dominant and get the most food, best : basking places and all kinds of little perks that : add up to overall better growth. These are : seemingly small things, but over a few months : produce noticeable differences in size. : The dominating effect does not have to be obvious : to you such as biting/pushing/bumping/posturing- : torts won't appear that aggressive - certainly : not always true especially with adults. : Whether you see it or not, one of these little : guys is asserting himself - mild bullying and this : inhibits and intimidates the other one, which may : be shyer and somewhat less inquisitive and active. : If they were mine, I'd seperate them and allow : each to again have their own space, best basking : spots, best opportunity to eat. I had to do : this with my geckos, subtle as their little : posturing is towards each other, it's there. : They both do fine seperately. niki

Optional Link URL:
Link Title:
Optional Image URL:

[ Follow Ups ] [ Post Followup ] [ The Tortoise Forum ] [ FAQ ]