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So my friend found a tortoise...
So I know this isnt a tortoise forum, but I know a good bit of you guys keep more reptiles than just the slithery ones so I figured I'd give it a shot!
While on a landscaping job, my buddy found a tortoise in someone's front yard. He said to me that it was in a neighborhood far from any desert terrain and so is most likely a runaway tortoise. He is trying to locate the original owner by posting ads and such, but for now the tortoise is being kept in his sister's back yard and cared for properly. However, it does seem to be a Sonoran Desert Tortoise which are native to my area so its possible that its a wild tortoise.
His sister can care for it adequately until its owner catches up, but thats the issue; if the owner doesn't catch up she isn't commited to keeping a tortoise. I, however, am quite interested.
At my parent's house (where I am currently living for summer), we have a Russian tortoise in a fenced-off portion of the sideyard, with the area measuring about 20ft by 15ft. I have seen people cohabitate different species of tortoise with no issues but I am still wary of it, and came here for advice. They love our current Russian tortoise and expressed an interest in the possibility of a second tortoise but requested that I research the prospect first. It's an awful lot of space for the little hamburger-sized Russian, and he also has a "cave" much too small for the larger tortoise to fit into. Basically I am asking if this is adequate space to avoid any aggressive behavior from either tortoise. I am also skeptical if this is enough space in general for a desert tortoise but I will do my homework and learn more, I just wanted to turn to this great community to share my circumstance and get some input.
Another thing that worries me is the potential parasites if it is indeed a wild tortoise, but as I mentioned, this tortoise was found miles into a neighborhood with no desert terrain in the surrouding area so that doesn't seem likely.
Any and all input is appreciated and welcome!
I am aware of the Arizona laws regarding taking a tortoise from the wild (illegal) as well as the required adoption process that is necessary to lawfully care for a rescued escapee tortoise for the long-term. The ideal scenario is that the owner finds his/her pet, but I am just trying to mentally prepare for the possibility of helping an animal
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