- Joined
- Jun 2, 2012
- Messages
- 6
I am new to this whole online forum use, but I haven't had any luck researching online for answers so I figured maybe I could get some help here.
I have a tortoise who is housed outdoors in my back yard. I have had this tortoise for about 25 years and it is a beloved family member. I live in California on the central coast about 2 miles from the beach. My dad had originally found this tortoise crossing the road in a state park of a near by town just under 10 miles away. He brought it home when I was a very young child to keep as a pet, although that isn't usually encouraged, these tortoises are not at all native to the area and was most likely a lost pet of some one else. It grew comfortable to its new home with us, and we were more than happy to have a new addition to our family.
However, I still have no idea what species of tortoise I own! So that is my question I haven't been able to find the answer to. What kind of tortoise do I have?
I would say it is approx. 20 lbs and I can only assume it is full grown as it has not grown in size as long as we have owned it. Its shell is approx. 14- 18 inches long, has a rather flat but round shell in comparison to many of the tortoises I've seen online.. flat scales on the arms and legs (not spurred). Its color is a darker chocolate brown. We have always thought it is a female although I'm not 100% sure how to even determine that. I will post a few pictures and I really hope some one can help me in determining the species, so I can ensure proper care all responses are appreciated. Thank you!
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I have a tortoise who is housed outdoors in my back yard. I have had this tortoise for about 25 years and it is a beloved family member. I live in California on the central coast about 2 miles from the beach. My dad had originally found this tortoise crossing the road in a state park of a near by town just under 10 miles away. He brought it home when I was a very young child to keep as a pet, although that isn't usually encouraged, these tortoises are not at all native to the area and was most likely a lost pet of some one else. It grew comfortable to its new home with us, and we were more than happy to have a new addition to our family.
However, I still have no idea what species of tortoise I own! So that is my question I haven't been able to find the answer to. What kind of tortoise do I have?
I would say it is approx. 20 lbs and I can only assume it is full grown as it has not grown in size as long as we have owned it. Its shell is approx. 14- 18 inches long, has a rather flat but round shell in comparison to many of the tortoises I've seen online.. flat scales on the arms and legs (not spurred). Its color is a darker chocolate brown. We have always thought it is a female although I'm not 100% sure how to even determine that. I will post a few pictures and I really hope some one can help me in determining the species, so I can ensure proper care all responses are appreciated. Thank you!
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View attachment 21877
View attachment 21880
View attachment 21879
View attachment 21878
View attachment 21876
View attachment 21875
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