Russian and Hermans Tortoise

Question
QUESTION: I currently have a Russian Tortoise. I am looking to adopt another. I am interested in a Hermans Tortoise. Would these 2 breeds be able to get along? I live in San Diego where controling the temp. is not an issue and humidity is decent for both. The tortoises would spend most of their time outside in a encosed backyard where they would be free to roam. The only problem I am concerned about is at night where they would both be kept indoors. Temperature would be around 75-80. But would they be able to get along?

ANSWER: Hi Christine,

Both Russian and Hermann's tortoises would do very well in your area, and can live outside all year round with night shelter (small dog house or similar).  If you have predators, then bringing them in at night would be the safest option if they can't be closed up somewhere.  Both species are very tolerant of cool night temperatures and can handle night temps into the 50s and even high 40s (again, with appropriate shelter).  75-80 degrees overnight would actually be very warm for them, and if that would be the case I'd try to let them stay outside as too warm temperatures overnight can cause lethargy.

As far as getting along, mixing species can be problematic and isn't recommended.  For one thing, each species has specific immunities and may carry pathogens that the other species can't fight off, resulting in increased likelihood of disease.  For another, each species has its own type of mating behavior that may be distressful to the other--one species may ram, another may bite, etc.  Keeping stress levels down is key to keeping healthy tortoises.  My advice would be to get another Russian tortoise rather than a Hermann's.  If you're interested in breeding, you should have a group that consists of at least one male and two females.  If not, get the same sex as the Russian you already have--two males or two females will co-exist peacefully.  Hope this helped!

---------- FOLLOW-UP ----------

QUESTION: Thank you so much! The reason I wanted to get another species of tortoise is because I want to have a female also, but I am not an experienced tortoise owner, and I do not want to worry about breeding, nor do I want to. Is there any way to keep a male and a female Russian and not have them breed? Is there a specific mating time that they should be seperated to avoid this problem?

Answer
Hi Christine,

First off, when you reply set your answer to *private* and I'll give you my email, as allexperts only allows something like three replies.  Feel free to email me anytime.

There is no way to have a pair of tortoises and not have them breed.  Male tortoises are *very* enthusiastic and in your area will probably be eager to mate all year round...multiple times a day.  A male Russian will also mate with a female Hermann's, although they might not produce offspring.  If you know for sure that you have a male Russian (and you can't determine sex until they're mature, so if it's not obviously male--long, slightly hooked tail--you may have to wait a bit to be sure), then get another male, or keep them separate.