How old?

[applebob46]

My Russian tort Marty. Could somebody give me an estimate of how old he is? I can't tell really lol

 

[dmmj]

No one can tell. Is it male? If so I would estimate 10 to 15 years

 

[applebob46]

No one can tell. Is it male? If do I would estimate 10 to 15 years

Yes he's male. And I'll go with what you said because I have no idea

 

[wellington]

I think that sounds like a good guesstimate. Mine is about 5-7 years and does look younger and smaller then yours.

 

[Gillian M]

I think that sounds like a good guesstimate. Mine is about 5-7 years and does look younger and smaller then yours.

Hi. I read that one cannot tell a tort's age. Is this correct?

 

[Gillian M]

A very warm welcome to the forum.

As far as I know, one cannot tell a tort's age.

 

[dmmj]

There is no reliable way. A tortoise grows based on food. Lean years little growth, years of plenty more growth.

 

[Grandpa Turtle 144]

There isn't any way to tell a torts age sorry

 

[Gillian M]

View attachment 140153
There isn't any way to tell a torts age sorry

It seems to be true, or am I mistaken? I don't mean Tort Forum cannot tell a tort's age, I mean ANYONE. Is this correct?

Appreciate an answer.

 

[dmmj]

It seems to be true, or am I mistaken? I don't mean Tort Forum cannot tell a tort's age, I mean ANYONE. Is this correct?

Appreciate an answer.

Yes, age can only be known, if hatch date is known.

 

[Gillian M]

Yes, age can only be known, if hatch date is known.

Obviously. But when one gets a 'grown up' tort, then how would one tell its age?

 

[dmmj]

One more time. You can not.

 

[wellington]

Hi. I read that one cannot tell a tort's age. Is this correct?

Yes,,that's why they are guesstimates. With pet store bought russians, which most older ones are and are also usually wild caught, you can just about guess them to be over 5 years and more like 7-10. When I got mine, the owner said they though it fwas 5 ?years, I have had it for two I think and so I just guess it to be 5-7 only becuase I have no idea how old it was when the first owner got it or where they got it. He really is probably closer to 10 but he looks younger and looks smaller then most that look older.

 

[Grandpa Turtle 144]

It seems to be true, or am I mistaken? I don't mean Tort Forum cannot tell a tort's age, I mean ANYONE. Is this correct?

Appreciate an answer.

Of course that's why I thought the meame was cute !

 

[wellington]

Obviously. But when one gets a 'grown up' tort, then how would one tell its age?

You don't. Only a guesstimation can be made. That guesstimation could be wayyyyyyy off. Besides tortoise grow at their own pace, the quality of life they had plays a role too. I have a leopard I rescued. She was suppose to be the same age as the leopard I raised myself. She was less then half the size, because of poor care before I got her. Now, she has almost reached the size of the one that's her same age. If she is really a she, like the old owner said, then she is still way under sized as females are usually larger then the males. Only guesses can be made.

 

[Gillian M]

You don't. Only a guesstimation can be made. That guesstimation could be wayyyyyyy off. Besides tortoise grow at their own pace, the quality of life they had plays a role too. I have a leopard I rescued. She was suppose to be the same age as the leopard I raised myself. She was less then half the size, because of poor care before I got her. Now, she has almost reached the size of the one that's her same age. If she is really a she, like the old owner said, then she is still way under sized as females are usually larger then the males. Only guesses can be made.

Thanks a lot your answer.

 

[Tidgy's Dad]

Lovely tortoise.
However old he may be, you should have many happy years together.

 

[johnsonnboswell]

Please read the care sheet to help you enjoy Marty even more for years to come. Wood shavings aren't a good substrate. It needs to hold moisture. Coconut coir or Cyprus bark will do nicely.