Species unknown - need a little help

Hi. I am new here and doing my first post. I just acquired these 2 tortoises. Can someone help me out and tell me what these two guys are.

Number one, they need to be separated immediately! You have a wild caught russian that probably has a whole lot of micro organisms that could be deadly to the other tortoise, which is a very young desert tortoise, and the desert toetoise MIGHT be positive for the deadly micoplasma that could kill the russian tortoise.

Hi and welcome! Other than them needing to be separated right away... they are lovely! Here are some useful threads to learn how to care for them. Oh and luckily the care for those 2 species is very similar so just use the Russian caresheet for both.

https://www.tortoiseforum.org/threads/beginner-mistakes.45180/

https://www.tortoiseforum.org/threads/russian-tortoise-care-sheet.80698/

If you need further help getting set up just ask questions. It can be tricky at first but we are here to help.

Yvonne G said:

Number one, they need to be separated immediately! You have a wild caught russian that probably has a whole lot of micro organisms that could be deadly to the other tortoise, which is a very young desert tortoise, and the desert toetoise MIGHT be positive for the deadly micoplasma that could kill the russian tortoise.

Click to expand...

Hi Yvonne. Thanks for the super useful info. I have separated the two of them. Which one is which?

Welcome to TFO ... boy, are you in luck!

This place is a wonderful source of information and knowledgeable people, who will help you get up to speed in taking care of your Torts.

Jamie

Larry L said:

Hi Yvonne. Thanks for the super useful info. I have separated the two of them. Which one is which?

Click to expand...

Hi,

The one closest to the camera is the Russian.

Welcome to the forum!

The lighter one in the center of the photo is the Russian and the desert tortoise is in the background.

Welcome. Please read the threads that were link for you and change up the substrate to dirt, orchid bark or coconut coir but not all stones. The Russian needs a minimum of a 4x8 enclosure indoor and out and the DT needs larger.

Hello and welcome Larry. I'm glad you found us.

Read those links that were posted above for proper care, housing and feeding. The DT can eat a fair amount of grass from a suitable source, but the Russian doesn't need any. Care for the two species is similar other than that. They need bigger enclosures, a better substrate, and no red bulbs. Its all explained in the care sheet.

Questions are welcome.