I recently became the new owner of a lost sulcata tortoise today (pretty sure it's a sulcata).
They shell looks dirty or damaged to me and I can not find info on what it could be. Any advice?
That looks like a desert tortoise to me. I see you live in AZ they have very strict laws on these. Maybe someone else can help you that lives in your state.
And to answer your question, the shell looks dirty. These are burrowing tortoises and will be dirty from digging.
Hello and welcome! Glad you found us.
I agree with Yvonne. Desert tortoise. Gopherus species.
I typed this up for russians, but care for both species is the same. You can add more grass to the diet of the DT though:
http://www.tortoiseforum.org/threads/beginner-mistakes.45180/
http://www.tortoiseforum.org/threads/russian-tortoise-care-sheet.80698/
Please be aware that vets, pet stores and most of the websites you'll find for this species give TERRIBLE advice and if you follow it, your baby will likely die of dehydration issues. They should not be in a dry enclosure on dry substrate, and they should not be housed outside all day. Babies need to be soaked daily to stay hydrated. When you tell them this at the pet store or vets office, they will likely ask: "Well who soaks them every day in the wild?" My Answer: "No one. That's why 300-1000 of them die for every one that survives to adulthood." I've raised dozens of the hatchlings. Daily soaks help them to thrive and survive. As does damp substrate to burrow into and a humid hide for shelter.
Please feel free to question all of this and ask lots of questions. We are here to talk tortoises. We won't be offended or bothered by lots of questions.
Definitely give access to fresh water all the time. I would soak everyday for a while. Make sure the humidity is high in it's enclosure (closed chamber.) Read what @Tom wrote and go by his advice, he's a very knowledgeable member here. There is a lot of members here that know what they're doing when it comes to keeping tortoises. Don't hesitate to ask any questions.I wasn't sure if it was a desert tort or a sulcata so any info is helpful!
Should my tortoise have access to a water dish at all times? I read that I shouldn't for desert tortiouses but that seems odd to me.
Also, what's the best way to soak my little guy ( or girl)? I should do this everyday?
I have a Bermuda grass lawn, is that good grass to feed him?
Thank you for all of the help, wanna give this guy the best he can get.
Should my tortoise have access to a water dish at all times? I read that I shouldn't for desert tortiouses but that seems odd to me.
Also, what's the best way to soak my little guy ( or girl)? I should do this everyday?
I have a Bermuda grass lawn, is that good grass to feed him?
Thank you for all of the help, wanna give this guy the best he can get.