weird looking shell

[torti]

Saw him on Craigslist and I couldn't resist. Didn't see his weird shell in the pictures at first. But when I saw him he was just adorable (even with the funky shell and all). He seems healthy and active. Would the deformed shell be a problem later?

I don't think the previous owner fed him very well. He came home trying to eat everything from the hide to the coco coir.

 

[mary t]

Can you post another pic. From the one on top, it's hard to see any problems..

 

[torti]

Sorry didn't even realize I didn't post a picture.

 

[dmarcus]

The little one just has split scutes thats all, very nice looking sulcata...

No it will not cause any problems in the future..

 

[torti]

Thanks I'm glad to hear. So is he what people will call an imperfect hatchling?

 

[dmarcus]

Depends on who your asking, I for one think they are perfect in there own way and it makes them very unique...

 

[mary t]

I think it looks pretty, especially if no harm is done to him in the future. I say good luck and good job.. Very cute... What did you name it?

 

[torti]

LOL I thought the same. My 3 year old said, " mommy we have to get him, he has a funny shell!"

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Have decided on a name yet, it will be up to my son.

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Haven't decided on a name yet, it will be up to my son.

 

[Zamric]

Ummm I thought tortoises had 13 top scutes.... he has 15 (counting the split scute as 1 and not 2) Is this common?

... BTW I think he is BEAUTIFUL! I love the slit scute!

 

[Brittany6]

He's gorgeous!

 

[elvis]

Oh thats awesome.... Congrats on such a special find !!

 

[jojodesca]

Wow...it's pretty cool..very unique....can you tell if he walks funny?...I would think as long as he's not inhibited in movement he will be fine

 

[torti]

He walks fine. Like any normal sully, with a special shell. Although his bottom shell looks different compared to my other one. So it makes it harder for him to climb over things. Ill take a picture of it tmrw (its already lights out for them) ;D

 

[BrinnANDTorts]

Uuugggghhhhhhhh I am SOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO jealous !!!! I want the little guy lol I love, love, love, love, love his split scute!! It's in my favorite spot for split scutes too
I will give one million dollars for him !!....once I win the lottery which should be happening for me soon

I love him lol

 

[Tom]

Split scutes are usually caused by high incubation temps. This little baby was probably incubated over summer where things tend to get a bit warm. That almost guarantees its a female too. Almost... I've never seen a split scute that wasn't female, but that doesn't mean its not possible. In most cases it is only cosmetic and will do no harm at all.

I'm very glad she found a better home with you!

 

[pam]

Very cute

 

[Jacob]

Laying In His Feeding Zone!

 

[jesst]

My morla has a split scute.....i love them I think it makes them unique. She is a pretty little tort.....

 

[torti]

Thanks everyone. After I picked him up I didn't know whether or not I made a mistake. When I went to get him, he was kept in a tub on newspaper and he was so dry =(