Egyptian Spur Thighed Tortoise

Question
Please help! I have an Egyptian Spur Thighed tortoise who lives on his own in a large run and has been happy for a couple of years (he is only 2 years old). On Friday my sister brought round her tortoise for me to look after whilst she is on away for 2 weeks. Her tortoise is not in the same run as mine, but they are fairly near each other, and now mine has been making some strange noises I have never heard before. He keeps chirping, almost like a baby bird, and opening his mouth really loud, and he has made some popping noises (almost like passing wind through his mouth!). I have moved my sisters tortoise now as I thought it might be that which is distressing my own tortoise, but he is still making the noises. Am I right in thinking this is either a distress signal, or a territory call because he feels threatened?
Any advice gratefully received thanks!!!
Vicky.x

Answer
Tortoises make sounds for some basic reasons:

Illness. Many respiratory illnesses, pneumonia, and so on can cause tortoises to make wheezing and other noises. Look for discharge or liquid around the eyes, nose and mouth.

Mating. Different tortoises use different signals to indicate a desire to mate- including bird-like calls.

Aggression. Same calls, but in situations where mating is unlikely- often due at least in part to crowded conditions.

Without knowing more details, my GUESS is that the new tortoise gave your tortoise what amounts to a cold (respiratory infection). This is pretty common, and the main treatment is to separate the two even more, and treat both separately. Offer slightly higher temps, about 5-10F higher than usual, eliminate drafts and reduce overall stress.

Now, "Egyptian Spur-thinged" is not a commonly recognized name. I am wondering if it is really a...
- Egyptian Tortoise, Testudo kleinmanni
- Greek Spur-thighed Tortoise, T. gracea
- African Spurred Tortoise, Geochelone sulcata?

You can do some great research on this and the proper cares, diet, medical treatment, etc. at sites like
- http://www.tortoisetrust.org
- http://www.austinsturtlepage.com

Good luck!