how to differentiate a sulcata from Sonoran Desert tortoise

Tom

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Well, thinking that the larger one is a sulcata, I gave it to a good home. Now I have one DT like it should be.
The person you gave it to needs to know that its not a sulcata. Both for care and feeding and also to make sure they know they can never sell it. DTs can only be given away for free.
 

Anet

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The person you gave it to needs to know that its not a sulcata. Both for care and feeding and also to make sure they know they can never sell it. DTs can only be given away for free.
Yea, she was already informed. The smaller DT is considerably smaller and I believe they are the same age, around 3yrs. He eats well and is active. How much should a 3 year on DT weigh? Should he be brumated?
 

ascott

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Yea, she was already informed. The smaller DT is considerably smaller and I believe they are the same age, around 3yrs. He eats well and is active. How much should a 3 year on DT weigh? Should he be brumated?

There is "generally" an average size for most species of tortoise...but also playing into the size is the genes of that particular tortoise....and that can offer up a variation that can offer up a larger/smaller individual creature. If the tortoise is eating, hydrating and mobile and is acting normal in every way--then the size alone would not worry me.

If the tort slows down during the natural slow down time, then you can offer up a short term "starter" brumation period...this will allow you to hone your skills to offer up/support a true brumation as the tortoise ages...I do not know where in the world this tortoise lives, but most outdoor set ups are a bit tricky and I would not suggest you try outdoors, especially in the beginning.
 

ascott

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I was gifted two tortoises at different times and one has grown immensely. I know for a fact that the smaller tortoise is 3 yrs old and is a Sonoran desert tortoise. I was told that the bigger one is also a desert tortoise and is 2 years old. However the bigger one has doubled his body size. I am wondering if the bigger one is a sulcata because of rapid growth. Thank you

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I know you have already rehomed one....but if these two Desert Torts occupied the same space at the same time for any length of time....you will absolutely have ended up with one larger and or one growing faster than the other....this is a species that is absolutely a species that should not be housed as a pair (especially if two males=gladiators)...and even more so of a species that "generally" is a nomadic creature and thrives in that set up....hugely territorial, super tenacious and confident....a wonderful design for a creature that is faced with harsh surroundings as their backdrop to survive in...both torts are beautiful by the way :)
 

Tom

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Yea, she was already informed. The smaller DT is considerably smaller and I believe they are the same age, around 3yrs. He eats well and is active. How much should a 3 year on DT weigh? Should he be brumated?
Most people don't start DT hatchlings correctly. Usually much too dry and outside all day. Both of these will stunt their growth. Most DT babies don't survive for very long because of this. Sounds like the bigger one managed to get a little more hydration or a little better start in some way or other, and the little one was started in the typical dry fashion.

The stress of living as a pair could contribute to it too.

If the tortoise seems healthy, I would go ahead and hibernate it, but do it correctly, indoors, under controlled conditions, at the correct temperature.
 

TammyJ

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Well, thinking that the larger one is a sulcata, I gave it to a good home. Now I have one DT like it should be.
Well then! I hope the good home knows they have a desert tortoise!:D
 

Anet

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Most people don't start DT hatchlings correctly. Usually much too dry and outside all day. Both of these will stunt their growth. Most DT babies don't survive for very long because of this. Sounds like the bigger one managed to get a little more hydration or a little better start in some way or other, and the little one was started in the typical dry fashion.

The stress of living as a pair could contribute to it too.

If the tortoise seems healthy, I would go ahead and hibernate it, but do it correctly, indoors, under controlled conditions, at the correct temperature.
I am going to brumate it in a refrigerator
Most people don't start DT hatchlings correctly. Usually much too dry and outside all day. Both of these will stunt their growth. Most DT babies don't survive for very long because of this. Sounds like the bigger one managed to get a little more hydration or a little better start in some way or other, and the little one was started in the typical dry fashion.

The stress of living as a pair could contribute to it too.

If the tortoise seems healthy, I would go ahead and hibernate it, but do it correctly, indoors, under controlled conditions, at the correct temperature.
I am going to brumate it in a refrigerator. Even though the SW desert of AZ is warmer than most of the US it still does get below 50 on some occasions. Thanks for your post!
 

Tom

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I am going to brumate it in a refrigerator

I am going to brumate it in a refrigerator. Even though the SW desert of AZ is warmer than most of the US it still does get below 50 on some occasions. Thanks for your post!
The problem isn't that it gets below 50. Below 50 is necessary for hibernation. The problem is that it gets so far above 50 where you are most winter days.
 

Anet

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The problem isn't that it gets below 50. Below 50 is necessary for hibernation. The problem is that it gets so far above 50 where you are most winter days.
Oh, I never thought of the warming aspect of our winters. So the fluctuation in temperatures is the problem. Would the recommendation be brumation in a refrigerator?
 

Tom

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