Dark Shell Sulcata Tortoise

[Maba_thesulcata2]

Hi! I have a 3yr old sulcata and it's shell is dark brown compared to what shell color I usually see on other sulcata tortoises. Is this normal?

(i know there's pyramiding and kind of dry shell but i assure you guys we're working on keeping Maba healthy and avoiding more pyramiding and hopefully eliminating this problem)

Thanks!

 

[wellington]

Has he been living mostly indoors or out?
I can't remember which one usually lightens them. I believe when they live outside they get lighter. As for how dark he is, that's just genetics. Some are darker then others to begin with.

 

[Maba_thesulcata2]

Thank you! Maba is mostly indoors, but always goes out every morning 'til noon

 

[wellington]

How big is she? At 3 most sulcata are big enough to live outside 24/7 in CA with a heated night box.