Hello, nice to meet you all.

[electricdaisy]

I found this amazing site from a couple of lovely ladies in my neighborhood. I’m in Southern California. I’ve been reading the articles and posts for days and learning so much.
I have 3 tortoises that were given to me. The first is a California desert tortoise. I got her when she was four and she is now 23. The other two were strays whose owners were not able to be found. I don’t know what type either of them are so it’s making the care articles a bit difficult.
This one in particular, I’ll attach photos, is a grouchy little thing and he’s always on the move. Very active. I think he’s male. My best guess is a Greek of some sort and he does appear to have spurs on his thighs. I have read so many of the identification articles, but I’m just not sure.
Advise me please.

 

[Lyn W]

Hi and welcome,
I'm not sure if he is a Greek or not but some of the more experienced members will be along soon. If you post pics of the other stray they'll be able to help you ID that one too.

 

[electricdaisy]

Hi and welcome,
I'm not sure if he is a Greek or not but some of the more experienced members will be along soon. If you post pics of the other stray they'll be able to help you ID that one too.

Hi there. Ok, thanks. The other one is hibernating. I think she’s a girl and she’s as sweet as can be. My tortoise kids are typically in outdoor enclosures but the 2 hibernate and this little grump comes inside for the winter.

 

[Yvonne G]

This MIGHT be a very old russian. Let's ask @TeamZissou

 

[electricdaisy]

Oooh, plot twist!
Here’s 2 more photos from his outdoor playtime just now. His colors are more accurate than the indoor photos

 

[TeamZissou]

This MIGHT be a very old russian. Let's ask @TeamZissou

Sure looks like a very old Russian to me as well. I don't know that I've seen one that's so weathered. Neat

 

[electricdaisy]

Sure looks like a very old Russian to me as well. I don't know that I've seen one that's so weathered. Neat

Off to read all the Russian care articles!
Are there any articles on caring for ancient turtles? Do their needs change at all?
Keep in mind this guy climbs and runs all day. He reminds me of one of those pull-back toy cars. He appears to be very healthy.

 

[TeamZissou]

Off to read all the Russian care articles!
Are there any articles on caring for ancient turtles? Do their needs change at all?
Keep in mind this guy climbs and runs all day. He reminds me of one of those pull-back toy cars. He appears to be very healthy.

Ha! If anything, he's tougher than the rest. The care will be the same. He'd do great in a nice large outdoor enclosure, separated from your other torts.

 

[electricdaisy]

Ha! If anything, he's tougher than the rest. The care will be the same. He'd do great in a nice large outdoor enclosure, separated from your other torts.

Oh, he’s separated. He kind of a, well, jerk. I think my other stray is a Russian as well but he’s not allowed anywhere near her.
So what are you thinking age wise?
250ish? ?

 

[TeamZissou]

Oh, he’s separated. He kind of a, well, jerk. I think my other stray is a Russian as well but he’s not allowed anywhere near her.
So what are you thinking age wise?
250ish? ?

It's impossible to say. Could be 40+ or even 80+. Definitely not 250 haha

 

[Ray--Opo]

Welcome, cant wait to see the rest of the crew.

 

[electricdaisy]

Hi and welcome,
I'm not sure if he is a Greek or not but some of the more experienced members will be along soon. If you post pics of the other stray they'll be able to help you ID that one too.

Ok, well I’m in So Cal (garden zone 10b!) and my other little Russian is awake.
I’ve attached photos. Now that I look at him, after reading so many articles, my best guess is male Russian. What do we think?

 

[electricdaisy]

…and another of his cute face.