Desert or Sulcata?

Susannadior

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When I first got Murphy, his previous owner told me he was a DT. Now, many others are telling me hes a Sulcata! Would you guys be able to help me our in figuring out what my little Murph is?

IMG_20181207_193340_881.jpg IMG_20181206_202932_892.jpg IMG_20181129_144618_312.jpg
 

Susannadior

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Thank you guys! That's what I think too. But because others have said otherwise, I thought I would ask the experts
 

Tom

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That is a desert tortoise. Gopherus sp. Probably agassizii, but I don't know how to tell the difference on babies since they split them into two species a few years ago. I'm pretty sure I've been working with both and probably some hybrids too.

It looks very dry. Are you soaking daily? Damp substrate? Humid hide?

Most of the care info for this species is wrong and will result in their death. Care for them is the same as it is for Russians. Read these for tips:
https://tortoiseforum.org/threads/beginner-mistakes.45180/
https://tortoiseforum.org/threads/russian-tortoise-care-sheet.80698/

The main difference in diet is much more grass and succulents for DTs, and no grass necessary for a Russian.

Who has told you that is a sulcata? Be leery of anything else they've told you...
 

Gillian M

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I wouldn't have been able to answer your question. Whatever species he is, your tort is simply gorgeous. :<3:
 

Susannadior

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That is a desert tortoise. Gopherus sp. Probably agassizii, but I don't know how to tell the difference on babies since they split them into two species a few years ago. I'm pretty sure I've been working with both and probably some hybrids too.

It looks very dry. Are you soaking daily? Damp substrate? Humid hide?

Most of the care info for this species is wrong and will result in their death. Care for them is the same as it is for Russians. Read these for tips:
https://tortoiseforum.org/threads/beginner-mistakes.45180/
https://tortoiseforum.org/threads/russian-tortoise-care-sheet.80698/

The main difference in diet is much more grass and succulents for DTs, and no grass necessary for a Russian.

Who has told you that is a sulcata? Be leery of anything else they've told you...

I let him graze outside for about an hour every day and soak him for about 30 minutes. He eats as much as he wants and his humidity is about 50%. I've gotten about a 50/50 reaction to the DT vs Sulcata question, but it seems I won't know for sure for a couple of years.
 

Tom

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I've gotten about a 50/50 reaction to the DT vs Sulcata question, but it seems I won't know for sure for a couple of years.
I hatch over 100 sulcata a year, and I've started dozens of DT hatchlings over the last couple of decades. There is zero question. As Mark said, there is zero doubt. 100% for sure a desert tortoise. Either Gopherus agassizii, or Gopherus morafkai.

Not Centrochelys sulcata.
 

magik

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