Please help me identify my tortoise breed

[Momo1990]

I recently took in a cute little tortoise. The previous owner only knew that the tortoise is a year old. She gave me a water bowl, the tortoise and one heating lamp. I want to build her a bigger space and supply her with proper nutrients but I am not sure on her specific breed. I have included pictures of her if anyone can help. Any advice or input is welcome. Thank you for reading

 

[SarahChelonoidis]

What state are you in? Looks like a little Gopherus tortoise.

 

[Momo1990]

I am in Nevada

 

[Franco F]

Looks like a sulcata

 

[cmacusa3]

Looks like a sulcata

It's not a Sulcata, look at the small leg spurs. That's a desert tortoise

 

[Franco F]

It's not a Sulcata, look at the small legs spurs. That's a desert tortoise

Whoops! On first glance I thought it may have been a sulcata. Sorry

 

[Tom]

Can we get some more pics of the tortoise showing the face and front legs? Maybe a plastron shot too?

I also thought it was a sulcata based on color and markings, but Craig is absolutely right about those leg spurs. Its also got a prominent nucchal scute. That could be some sort of anomaly like a split scute or something, but that would be pretty unusual.

Care for the two species is pretty different, so we need to know which one you've got for sure.

 

[Markw84]

Looks like a desert tortoise raised totally indoors with low humidity to me.

 

[Momo1990]

It's not a Sulcata, look at the small leg spurs. That's a desert tortoise

Thank you so much!! If possible, what would be the best approach to making her a bigger habitat?

 

[Momo1990]

Can we get some more pics of the tortoise showing the face and front legs? Maybe a plastron shot too?

I also thought it was a sulcata based on color and markings, but Craig is absolutely right about those leg spurs. Its also got a prominent nucchal scute. That could be some sort of anomaly like a split scute or something, but that would be pretty unusual.

Care for the two species is pretty different, so we need to know which one you've got for sure.

 

[Momo1990]

I didn't want to stress her out. Is my tortoise a female?

 

[Tom]

I think I have to concede. With these new pics I think Mark and Craig are spot on. I can't recall ever seeing a DT that light and with those caramel highlights on that carapace. Fascinating…

Momo, I typed this up for russian tortoises, but care for DTs is identical. Give these a read through and then come back with all your questions.
http://www.tortoiseforum.org/threads/russian-tortoise-care-sheet.80698/
http://www.tortoiseforum.org/threads/beginner-mistakes.45180/

This little tortoise needs some outdoor time and some soaks. Here are some simple ways to make a safe outdoor sunning enclosure. Be careful to not let the tortoise over heat as summer approaches. I like to offer an underground retreat for these guys to make sure they can cool off when needed.
http://www.tortoiseforum.org/threads/cheap-easy-simple-sunning-enclosure.14680/
http://www.tortoiseforum.org/threads/simple-sunning-enclosure.104351/
http://www.tortoiseforum.org/thread...table-but-safe-outdoor-baby-enclosures.30683/
http://www.tortoiseforum.org/threads/outdoor-enclosures.121732/