I'm a newbie here, needing some advice...

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Posted by Kyleeann on December 18, 2000 at 18:12:46:

Hi ! I have two Australian Murray short neck tortoises, bought in July/August of this year, who are houses together(was told thats okay). I do not know the sexes of my two tortoises...the last week and a half my larger tortoise has been spending alot of time on the ledge of the turtle tank. I thought perhaps the tortoise was sick (my last one died and spent majority of time up on the ledge). It turns out the smaller tortoise (half the others' size) is almost 'bullying' the bigger one and chasing it through the tank and biting the bigger tortoises tail. When the big tortoise is on the ledge, the smaller one comes from behind and 'lifts' the bigger tortoises' rear end. I am wondering if this is a 'mating' ritual? Or just outright bullying? Im getting concerned for the bigger tortoise, the only time it will go for a swim is when I remove the smaller one from the tank.I have thoroughly checked the larger tortoise for any signs of damage caused from this bullying and he/she seems fine. Its not sick from what I can tell, just likes to keep away from the smaller one. Should I get another tank and separate them permanently? Thanks for any comments...

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Re: I'm a newbie here, needing some advice... binky 12/19/00 (0)

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: Hi ! I have two Australian Murray short neck tortoises, bought in July/August of this year, who are houses together(was told thats okay). I do not know the sexes of my two tortoises...the last week and a half my larger tortoise has been spending alot of time on the ledge of the turtle tank. I thought perhaps the tortoise was sick (my last one died and spent majority of time up on the ledge). It turns out the smaller tortoise (half the others' size) is almost 'bullying' the bigger one and chasing it through the tank and biting the bigger tortoises tail. When the big tortoise is on the ledge, the smaller one comes from behind and 'lifts' the bigger tortoises' rear end. I am wondering if this is a 'mating' ritual? Or just outright bullying? Im getting concerned for the bigger tortoise, the only time it will go for a swim is when I remove the smaller one from the tank.I have thoroughly checked the larger tortoise for any signs of damage caused from this bullying and he/she seems fine. Its not sick from what I can tell, just likes to keep away from the smaller one. Should I get another tank and separate them permanently? Thanks for any comments...

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