ID My Tortoise/ Introductary Post

[PythonChick]

Hey everyone! My name is Emily. I am new to the world of Tortoises. I have kept and raised Ball Pythons for many years, and also cared for a particularly grumpy Bearded Dragon named Yoshi for quite a while. I recently took on a rescue Tortoise who couldn't stay with his current owner. I was told he was a Russian, but he is a bit larger than I expected him to be. Regardless he appears quite aged, from his rather unkempt beak and claws to the condition of his shell. I am also pretty sure it is a male (long tail, concave underbelly, etc). I would love to know if there is any other way to tell male from female.

Anyhow, I want to try and confirm his species, so I can figure out what sort of permanent setup to get for him and how large I can expect him to get. Thanks for the help!

Shell Length: 6 Inches
Width: 4.5 Inches

 

[wellington]

Hello and Welcome. That is indeed a Russian. Hard to tell by the pic, but if he has a long tail and is concaved, he is most likely a male. Unless a weird female. He also is wild caught, 99% sure.

 

[Yvonne G]

Hi Emily, and welcome to the forum!

It IS a Russian tortoise (Testudo horsfieldii), however in order to know its sex we'll have to see a picture of the tail. Russian tortoises have flat plastrons, the male's don't concave like other species.

 

[Grandpa Turtle 144]

Hello Emily welcome to the TFO from AZ. We need to know where you live because the best for any tort is outside in the sun and fresh air . But if you live in the far north. That's not possible . Then we have to sagest something else good luck with your new child ( the RT )

 

[WillTort2]

Welcome!

 

[ascott]

And the shell looks pretty good actually.....

 

[Jacqui]

From what I can see of the tail in the first photo, I am going to go with it being a male. Your substrate looks like it might be just a tad dry. Nice tortoise you have. Before I forget, welcome to TFO, it's nice having you here. Welcome to another adventure into the reptile world.

 

[Instinct]

Welcome to the forum!
Looks like a Russian tortoise to me! As for gender, I'm fairly certain that you have a male on your hands.

 

[wellington]

Hi Emily, and welcome to the forum!

It IS a Russian tortoise (Testudo horsfieldii), however in order to know its sex we'll have to see a picture of the tail. Russian tortoises have flat plastrons, the male's don't concave like other species.

Really, not concaved? I didn't know that. My Russian, which is a male, is concaved. Not like my leopard, but is still a little what I would call concaved. Hmm, learn something new every day. So, any suggestions on why they would be concaved?