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| What species is this tortoise? Posted: 14/11/2015 by George Norman |
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Hi there, Could anyone please tell me which species of tortoise this is? He has an extremely glossy shell and the rear end flares out. Thank you! | |
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| Re: What species is this tortoise? Posted: 15/11/2015 by Tom |
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Hello again George, It's a Hermanns, a male by the looks of it. Is this the older one you referred to in your earlier post ? Is there a reason why you're not sure which species it is, given that you have 2 young Hermanns ? Some pet shops palm off Horsfields as Hermanns. Tom | |
| Re: What species is this tortoise? Posted: 15/11/2015 by George Norman |
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Hi Tom Thank you. Having read a lot more since being given this tortoise, I've become generally more suspicious! We were told he was a five year old Hermanns male. He's definitely male but does look quite different to the babies in that his shell is remarkably glossy and does flare out over the back legs, although the marking are similar to theirs. The guy who gave him to us said he took him from someone who kept him in a very small viv and fed him the wrong foods, hence some shell damage, particularly around the front. I have uploaded a pic of the babies below, both hatched in the same year and very different in size! We got them three months ago. The larger of the two is being treated for an ear infection. | |
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| Re: What species is this tortoise? Posted: 15/11/2015 by Tom |
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The carapace becomes more 'glossy in older ones. Look carefully at the new growth in the bigger of the younger ones. The 5 year old has grown too quickly being in a viv., it's not too bad though & you are hib'ing it, that will help. In sub- adult males the carapace flares like that. One of the younger ones has white marks on it, the other is unwell - am I right in thinking that they are from a pet dealer ? What is stated in Box 10 of their A10 Certificates ? Tom I'll comment re. size diff. later. | |
| Re: What species is this tortoise? Posted: 15/11/2015 by George Norman |
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Hi They were both bought from someone wanting to re-home their tortoises, but I assume they were probably originally bought from a pet shop or dealer. They were actually 2014 hatchlings - I believe I said 2013 before. The smaller of the two's cert says United Kingdom in box 10 whereas the larger one's says Croatia. I did wonder (since reading up) if George's shell damage might be due to growing too quickly in the viv. With us, he lives outside all summer in a large enclosure and we have a large table to get him going again in the spring once he comes out of hibernation. | |
| Re: What species is this tortoise? Posted: 15/11/2015 by Tom |
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Imported ones are often not the stated age, despite having A10 Certs. Also Hermanns have vast genetic diversity, in terms of both size & shape, as well as other characteristics. The main thing is to keep careful wt records. Illness in imported torts is common, as are deaths, I'm not suggesting the latter in this case. What name is in Box 1 of their Certs George ? Tom | |
| Re: What species is this tortoise? Posted: 16/11/2015 by George Norman |
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For both torts, box 1 states: Zoological International Ltd. The age discrepancy doesn't surprise me - we've had horses for years too and you can never be entirely sure of their ages either, despite what their passport says. I would appreciate your thoughts on their weights: The larger measures 8 cm and is 88g and the smaller measures 7 cm and weighs 49g. I'm assuming the smaller torts size is more typical of a one year old? Thanks again for your comments. | |
| Re: What species is this tortoise? Posted: 16/11/2015 by Tom |
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Otherwise known as the "Tortoise Centre", or Wilton Pet Centre. [The term Centre simply means Dealer]. They are major importers of tortoises, bringing in consignments of 1,000 & 1,500, thus it's not surprising there are problems. Imagine ! The smaller one is a bit light for it's age, but is probably from smallish parents. Subject to a steady wt gain I'd hibe it for 4wks in March. The bigger one can hibe'd in Feb & March if it fully recovers. Let us know how it gets on please George. Tom | |
| Re: What species is this tortoise? Posted: 16/11/2015 by George Norman |
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Yes, I was concerned he was a little small too. He is bright and lively and feeding well though so I guess all I can do is feed him the right food and watch him closely. I will weigh both youngsters monthly. We are back to the vets next week for the other youngster for a check up and I will keep you posted. I checked my older Hermann today and he has lost 2g in the first week of his hibe. Would fortnightly weight checks suffice from now on for him? I check temp in fridge twice a day and open door daily to circulate air. Thank you again for all your help and advice, it really has been invaluable. | |
| Re: What species is this tortoise? Posted: 17/11/2015 by Tom |
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Best to weigh them biweekly 'til 150gm. Now that you are down to 3.5C, I'd weigh him monthly, the less disturbance the better. Tom | |
| Re: What species is this tortoise? Posted: 18/11/2015 by George Norman |
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I will do. And thanks again for all your help :-) | |