Hey all!
I know you can't accurately age Russian tortoises until they've died, but I thought I'd try to age Flash Gordon. I've had him for 4 years (since June 2015). He's most definitely wild-caught (as I bought him from Petco, which I know is not ideal, but I didn't know that until after) and in good health according to an exotic pet vet.
I've read a few posts on estimating the age of wild-caught Russian tortoise and gave it a shot. I examined his plastron scutes and could count up to 20 rings, which is the estimated upper-limit. Just wanted to get some second opinions on here!
I've attached pictures from one of my first Instagram posts (dark scutes, small beak) as well as pictures from earlier today (visible rings on the plastron scutes, dark scutes, light bands on upper shell from captive living). Check them out and thanks!!
I know you can't accurately age Russian tortoises until they've died, but I thought I'd try to age Flash Gordon. I've had him for 4 years (since June 2015). He's most definitely wild-caught (as I bought him from Petco, which I know is not ideal, but I didn't know that until after) and in good health according to an exotic pet vet.
I've read a few posts on estimating the age of wild-caught Russian tortoise and gave it a shot. I examined his plastron scutes and could count up to 20 rings, which is the estimated upper-limit. Just wanted to get some second opinions on here!
I've attached pictures from one of my first Instagram posts (dark scutes, small beak) as well as pictures from earlier today (visible rings on the plastron scutes, dark scutes, light bands on upper shell from captive living). Check them out and thanks!!