age of my russian tortoise?

Lindsey Turner

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Not sure if I can tell, but is there any way that I can tell how old my russian tortoise is? The pet store I got her from doesn't know anything about her past, so is there any way I can tell an age? Even if its a year or two off, I just want to know a range. Its driving me crazy! Any help would be nice. Thank you in advance to everyone :)
 

Yvonne G

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Is that your Russian in the avatar picture? Looks full grown to me, so probably over 10 years of age.
 

dmmj

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No way of knowing with a wild caught russian, once they are full grown, a 30 year old tort, and a 50 year old looks the same.
 

Yellow Turtle01

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No way of knowing with a wild caught russian, once they are full grown, a 30 year old tort, and a 50 year old looks the same.
Ah yes, but... some russians get a pale 'green' color to them as they age, right? I remember reading this in a thread a long time ago...
 

dmmj

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I have never heard or seen that, no green ones in my group, and some of them are quite old.
 

mandy#2

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I have never heard or seen that, no green ones in my group, and some of them are quite old.
I have two Russian Tortoises one is brown on the neck and the other one is a light green on the neck. What does this mean?
 

smarch

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There really isn't a good way of knowing, but I was told 3 years ago when I got Nank that he was most likely between 5-10years. So I now say he's 7, but I know its a very rough estimate.
 

mandy#2

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IMAG1321.jpg
I just measured both of my tortoises and one is right at 5' and the other one is at 4.5' I got them at two different stores a week apart and have had them for about a month. I'm trying to learn all I can about them. Thank you for being patient with me and answering my questions
 

smarch

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Their shells look nice!

They have a bit to grow. All age answers are guesses but I like around 5 personally.

Just something to be aware of, at some point they will probably need to be put in separate enclosures, tortoises usually don't like company, especially as they mature, and if there's a male involved.

I'm not framiliar with that type of water dish, but would they be able to flip in it if they were trying to climb out the "wrong" way? If a tortoise flips in their water they may drown. Most of us here like to use those terra cotta saucers for water.
 

mandy#2

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If you don't mind can I ask you one more question? Why do my tortoises differ in color? One is a light green on the neck and shoulders and the other is a light brown on the neck and shoulders:rolleyes:
 

smarch

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If you don't mind can I ask you one more question? Why do my tortoises differ in color? One is a light green on the neck and shoulders and the other is a light brown on the neck and shoulders:rolleyes:
Conditions they grew up in. Being from different stores they probably weren't taken from places too close, and one may have experienced different amounts of sun than the other before they came to you. Those are the usual reasons for differences in coloration, care and lights while growing. And its possible one is closer to shedding or has drier skin.
 

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