Identification Help

SarahTorterra

New Member
Joined
Oct 15, 2014
Messages
6
We currently have a leopard tortoise, so when a friend heard of a friend of a relative who ended up with a tortoise they did not want to keep, they thought of us to take him (I think) in. Our new friend arrived today, and I'm a little stumped about what kind of tortoise he is. So, I'm hoping some of the more experienced people here can help identify him so that I can be sure to provide the right food and habitat.

We were told that this tortoise is 4 or 5 years old, although this may not be accurate as the tortoise and the information has apparently changed hands several times. We were told he was originally acquired as a pet for an elementary school class, but we don't know anything about where or from whom he might have been purchased. As you can see from the photo, his carapace is about 6 inches long.

Tortoise 2.jpg Tortoise 1.jpg Tortoise 3.jpg
Tortoise 2.jpg Tortoise 1.jpg Tortoise 3.jpg
 

Tom

The Dog Trainer
10 Year Member!
Platinum Tortoise Club
Joined
Jan 9, 2010
Messages
63,265
Location (City and/or State)
Southern California
You have a yard destroying, giant hole digging, wall smashing, eat everything in sight, SULCATA.

It needs to be housed completely separate from your leopard and it will grow to be around 24" if female and 32" if male.

Here are some threads to help you:
http://www.tortoiseforum.org/threads/beginner-mistakes.45180/
http://www.tortoiseforum.org/threads/how-to-raise-a-healthy-sulcata-or-leopard-version-2-0.79895/
http://www.tortoiseforum.org/threads/for-those-who-have-a-young-sulcata.76744/

Housing info:
http://www.tortoiseforum.org/threads/enclosure-expansion.38788/
http://www.tortoiseforum.org/threads/sulcata-burrows.50846/
http://www.tortoiseforum.org/threads/my-best-night-box-design-yet.66867/
http://www.tortoiseforum.org/threads/another-night-box-thread.88966/
http://www.tortoiseforum.org/threads/daisys-new-enclosure.28662/

Sulcatas are a fantastic species, but they get very large and they tend to turn any area they have access to into a waste land of bare dirt. Most people who keep them think they have one of the best personalities of any species.

Yours is an exceptionally good looking individual too.
 

SarahTorterra

New Member
Joined
Oct 15, 2014
Messages
6
Thanks, Tom. That's what I thought based on online pictures, but I was second guessing myself because it seemed like he'd be bigger if he's really 4-5 years old. However, as I said, that may not be accurate.

So, I guess I better get started on setting up some new enclosures!
 
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