New tortoise- need help

[nquartz]

Hi!

I bought a tortoise at a reptile show; told it was a mediterranean spur thighed tortoise, but I think it's actually a sulcata. I can't get in touch with the person who sold it to me (tried calling, emailing...).

Now I am not sure I can take care of it in the long run (I mean, those males can be HUGE!). I want to do my best by it, now that it is in my hands. And of course I realize I made a huge mistake not being totally thorough in my research BEFORE hand. Please help!

Thank you!!

 

[SarahChelonoidis]

It is a sulcata, sometimes called a spurred tortoise. This is why people get their names confused with the Mediterranean spur thighed tortoise (Greek tortoise). They have quite different care requirements - a seller should absolutely not be mixing them up. Hope you get things sorted.

 

[JoesMum]

Can you post a photo of the underside of this tort including the tail please. We need that for ID

This tort has had a very dry start to life and has not been started in good conditions which has caused the shell to be lumpy

 

[nquartz]

Wow, thanks for the quick responses so far!

 

[nquartz]

It is a sulcata, sometimes called a spurred tortoise. This is why people get their names confused with the Mediterranean spur thighed tortoise (Greek tortoise). They have quite different care requirements - a seller should absolutely not be mixing them up. Hope you get things sorted.

Thank you so much SarahChelonoidis!

 

[nquartz]

Can you post a photo of the underside of this tort including the tail please. We need that for ID

This tort has had a very dry start to life and has not been started in good conditions which has caused the shell to be lumpy

Thanks JoesMum - pyramiding, right? (Just learned about this). Here is the underside and tail

 

[JoesMum]

Definitely Sulcata aka African Spurred. Heading rapidly for 100lb+ bulldozer which cannot hibernate.

If you can't accommodate then you will need to rehome this tort.

And yes there is pyramidding. It will become less obvious with correct care as this tort grows

 

[nquartz]

UPDATE: I found a new home for this little buddy and will be looking out for something that better suits my ability to care for it (something smaller that does well in Virginia). And will be doing tons of research before buying!!! Thank you!

 

[Lyn W]

He's lovely - hope he has found a good forever home.
Please point the new owners in the direction of this forum they will learn so much about the correct care for sulcatas from up to date information and advice. They will also save themselves a lot of money by buying safe and appropriate equipment etc - pet stores sell for profit not care and often get it wrong.

 

[nquartz]

He's lovely - hope he has found a good forever home.
Please point the new owners in the direction of this forum they will learn so much about the correct care for sulcatas from up to date information and advice. They will also save themselves a lot of money by buying safe and appropriate equipment etc - pet stores sell for profit not care and often get it wrong.

Thank you, I will definitely refer him to this forum!