Greetings from a Sulcata Foster Momma

[FosterTortoise Momma]

I became the foster momma for a sulcata tortoise of unknown age and gender this past July (~ 1 month ago). I usually just foster companion animals such as dogs and cats, so this is a new experience for me.

After not knowing a thing about taking care of these guys I spent hours/days/weeks combing the internet and have at least come up with a number of questions. Yes, I've read the intro forums and very much appreciate all the wonderful information, ideas, suggestions! Both my foster tortoise and I are very grateful. But I have some questions about this tort in particular.

First of all, what can you tell me about this tortoise simply by his/her picture? I see some moderate pyramiding and am guessing the age to be between 3 and 5 years, but understand that size and age can correlate so loosely that guessing the age might just be useless. The coloring seems much darker than other sulcatas I've seen, but perhaps this suggests young age and lack of time outdoors?

What about gender? Any guesses?

 

[Grandpa Turtle 144]

Hello and welcome to the TFO from AZ . Good looking tort . What state are you in ? here this might help you


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[FosterTortoise Momma]

I'm in Wisconsin (unfortunately for this tort) but right now in August it is warm and humid so the weather is great. In a few months. . . not so much.

According to the pictures above I would guess a young or immature female. What are your thoughts?

Have you found that the shape and size of tail/cloaca is a better indicator of gender rather than the shape of the anal scutes?

 

[ALDABRAMAN]

Welcome!

 

[pam]

Welcome

 

[Grandpa Turtle 144]

Don't forget most young torts look female but some will become males later . But for now I think your right it looks female .


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[wellington]

Hello and Welcome Look g female to me too. Nice looking sully. The darker coloring usually is due to being house inside under artificial UVB

 

[Yvonne G]

Hi, and welcome to the Forum!

All tortoises look female when they are young. This changes as they start going into sexual maturity - and this goes by the size of the animal, not by the age. My male sulcata started showing me his stuff when he got to be around 15lbs.

Your tortoise is darker colored because he has spent a lot of time indoors. He's a fine-looking animal.

 

[tortadise]

Welcome