what species am i?

[pneumaticbetta]

hello! first let me introduce myself...i am steven from california. i recently came across a tortoise. i took it down to the local pet store and they said it was a russian tortoise. ive been looking online and i havent found a russian tortoise with red feet ive posted a picture, i believe this is a red footed tortoise...? please if you will, feel free to post anything about tortoises i may not know (everything). ive dont a little research on russian tortoises. i am feeding him collard greens and bananas, along with a calcium supplement. thanks i am glad to be a part of this forum

 

[Yvonne G]

My best guess is male 3-toed box turtle (carolina triunguis).

Yvonne

 

[Yvonne G]

Oh...and...welcome to the forum, Steven!!!

Yvonne

 

[egyptiandan]

Hi,
You have a Three-toed box turtle, Terrapene carolina triunguis.
Here's a good website to learn about box turtles http://aboxturtle.com/
If you have any more questions just ask.

Danny

 

[Itort]

You've got a male eastern box. What subspecie I can't tell from head either three-toed,triunguis, (most likely) or an eastern, carolina carolina.

 

[Jacqui]

He is a beautiful Three-toed and we are glad that because of him, your joining us. Welcome!

 

[Itort]

I think box turtles should be made honorary tortoises.

 

[Jenn1]

Hello and welcome,
T. c. triunguis
The Three-toed Box Turtle
The shell is olive green to brown. The males have a slightly concave plastron...much less than the Eastern box turtle.

Three-toed box turtle:
The carapace is typically a uniform olive coloration...keeled, with the plastron a lighter shade. However like Eastern box turtles there are many variations, some carapaces are darker almost brown. Typically they have very few yellow markings. The plastron can also have some black blotches. The head neck and arms have yellow, red and orange blotches. The males are usually more colorful....but I have seen some females with brilliant colors. They are typically more domed than Eastern box turtles with the highest point to the rear of the shell. They usually have 3 toes on the hind feet...sometimes 4.
http://aboxturtle.com/triunguis.htm

 

[Crazy1]

Welcome, steven I am also from california. And welcome to Box turtle (honerary tortoise ) ownership. Nice looking Box turtle you have there, figured a name yet?

 

[Jentortmom]

Hello and welcome to TFO, You have a very nice boxie there. A site I like for box turtle care is http://www.boxturtlesite.info/ Box turtles love humidity.

 

[JustAnja]

I concur with male Three Toed Box Turtle, welcome aboard!

 

[pneumaticbetta]

yes he is a three toed box turtle. i know this because i counted his toes! lol.
his name is sparky, i kept it because the previous owner had named it that and i thought it was clever. any tips on keeping him happy? btw how much do these lil guys cost? id like to get another one. thanks for all the quick responses. he does love humidity, he is always burrowing under ground cover in the back yard. i also give him 2 baths a day...he is alot healthier now than when i got him. please post any more information you know.

 

[pneumaticbetta]

what is the difference between a tortoise and a turtle?