Identifying the Specie

shoaibsadiq

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Hello,

I just got these two tortoises from a pet store and the guy at store told me they are Russian but photos and videos of Russian tortoise I have seen online doesn't look like these.

2018-04-15 at 5.04.55 PM.jpeg 2018-04-15 at 5.05.04 PM.jpeg 2018-04-15 at 5.04.54 PM.jpeg

Can you please help in finding what specie is this so I can take proper care of them

Thank you
 

TechnoCheese

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Welcome to the forum!
They look like really lightly colored russians to me, but definitely wait for a second opinion.
Regardless of species, they need to be separated. Tortoises are solitary animals, and cannot make friends, and do not get lonely. It is immensely stressful for them to be together.
Please keep in mind that if they’re Russians, they require a minimum enclosure size of 8x4 feet, but you’ll have to have one for each.
This care sheet should cover most Testudo species, so please give it a read and come back with questions :)
Russian Tortoise Care Sheet
https://tortoiseforum.org/index.php?threads/Russian-Tortoise-Care-Sheet.80698/
Beginner Mistakes
https://tortoiseforum.org/index.php?threads/Beginner-Mistakes.45180/
 

Yvonne G

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Our go to guy, @HermanniChris , is on vacation, but he's the one I'd ask to help I.D. these guys. I'd like to say Greek, but I'm not sure.
 

tortoiseplanet

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If you get a 3rd tortoise you won’t have to separate them. Groups work, pairs don’t. Make sure you have enough space for them though as @TechnoCheese mentioned.
 

TechnoCheese

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If you get a 3rd tortoise you won’t have to separate them. Groups work, pairs don’t. Make sure you have enough space for them though as @TechnoCheese mentioned.

But even then, there’s a risk that there will be one or more males in the mix, and you’ll have to separate anyway. They also might not get along, and won’t be able to form a pecking order.
You can still risk it, of course, but be sure that you have room for three 8x4 foot enclosures :)
 

shoaibsadiq

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Thank you everyone for helping me in identifying the species.

Sure I will keep them separate and in a bigger enclosure. The box seen in the picture was used to give them bath and then some sun light.

One more thing I would like you guys to assist me with is I didn't noticed this while handling them but after seeing these pictures closely I found some thing on the shell and head which looks weird. I have highlighted it in the image can you please tell me if that is normal?

2018-04-15-at-5.04.jpg

Thank you
 

TechnoCheese

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Thank you everyone for helping me in identifying the species.

Sure I will keep them separate and in a bigger enclosure. The box seen in the picture was used to give them bath and then some sun light.

One more thing I would like you guys to assist me with is I didn't noticed this while handling them but after seeing these pictures closely I found some thing on the shell and head which looks weird. I have highlighted it in the image can you please tell me if that is normal?

View attachment 236427

Thank you

No one is entirely sure what those squiggly lines signify, but we are sure that they’re normal.
It looks like they’re heads are just shedding a bit :)
 
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