Introducing Tortoises to my Girls

[cndlou]

Hello All!
I have just adopted two Desert Tortoises. I’m looking for suggestions on the best way of introducing them to my lil flock of 5 girls.
The girls are mostly older & rescued. I put the Tortoises into an Eglu Omlet coop for now.
My girls have always had the choice of the Eglu or their wooden coop...sorry, girls... tonight you will be together!!! <<Spazzy & SuzieQ>>
I would like to allow the Tortoises to free range w my girls.
I have never had Tortoises before, so I would greatly appreciate any suggestions re: intros, food, habitat....?
Thank you!!

 

[chrissynemetz]

How big are the tortoises, and how old are the chickens?

 

[Chickassan]

I would think it would be as simple as just putting them together.
I would sort of worry about the tortoises biting the hens. Your hens will be very curious but it will be pretty harmless.

 

[cndlou]

How big are the tortoises, and how old are the chickens?

The torts are 1 45 yo male, 1 43 yo female.
My girls are all between 5-7 yo. I think... they r mostly rescues.

 

[cndlou]

I would think it would be as simple as just putting them together.
I would sort of worry about the tortoises biting the hens. Your hens will be very curious but it will be pretty harmless.

Thank you! I feel the same way. Just want to be sure. I gotta go round the yard to make sure it’s all secure before I let them free range.
Hey! I wonder if the hawks would be deterred by these torts???? Lol!

 

[cndlou]

The torts are 1 45 yo male, 1 43 yo female.
My girls are all between 5-7 yo. I think... they r mostly rescues.

Oops! It’s late! Lol
The Tortoises are about 10” diam and 12 “ diam. Not huge, a but heavy... can fit on my lap!

 

[chrissynemetz]

At that age wouldn't think there would be any problem having them in the yard together. Just watch them for a while, see if they even notice each other lol

 

[cndlou]

At that age wouldn't think there would be any problem having them in the yard together. Just watch them for a while, see if they even notice each other lol

Awesome! Thank you! I think the torts are more concerned about my 20 yo pup Cooper... he loves everything & is really too old to care too much! He eats w my girls... romaine, meal worms...lol!

 

[Willowspirit]

Birds like hawks and raven kill tortoises so you need to be careful.. Also tortoises are amazing diggers and get out from under fences on the regular.

 

[chrissynemetz]

You should post pictures of them all