Hi

I had bought my pet tortoise from a pet shop in Dubai in 2008. I am not sure what breed he is. Please help me in identifying and also how I can check if its a male or female.

Hiya,

It's a spur-thighed tortoise Testudo Graeca Graeca. A male tortoises has a longer tail and a more concave plastron (underside). The Female has a smaller tail and a flatter underside.
If you have photos of this area, we may be able to help

HTH
Darren

You really need to get him/her out of the vivarium/incubator type thing.

Here are some links that may help:-

Care sheets
http://www.tortoise-protection-group.org.uk/site/89.asp

Diet
http://www.tlady.clara.net/TortGuide/Diet.htm#plantlist

http://www.thetortoisetable.org.uk/site/tortoise_home_1.asp

Indoor Enclosures

Either a small rabbit/guinea pig enclosure (best to get the larger one 1.2 meters) or a commercial (or home-made) tortoise table should be used

http://www.tortoise-protection-group.org.uk/site/58.asp

Despite what pet shops promote, vivariums aren't suitable for tortoises. Tortoises require a warm basking area - but also cooler areas in order to thermo-regulate (cool down) and to manage their well being properly. Vivariums offer an almost one temperature, which is totally unsuitable for tortoises.

Kindest Regards

Darren