Does anyone have any clear, detailed pictures of a normal, 4 week old Sulcata hatchling plastron that I can use as a reference? I'm finding it near impossible to find one myself. Thanks in advance guys =)
mctlong said:Here you go.
Tom said:There is quite a lot of variability. Are you seeing something that you think is an issue?

Tom said:Oh yes. The tiny look squiggly lines that almost look like arabic writing and appear to be just under the surface?
Totally normal. We've discussed those here. but no one really seems to know what they are. All of my hatchlings have those. They pretty much disappear by the time they are 4-5".
Your babies plastron looks normal.
TortoiseBoy1999 said:Well that's s relief! My leopard looks like that too! And I just PM'd Eweezyfosheezy asking what it was. Phew!![]()
Atra42o said:Lol I know EXACTLY how u feel... Glad I'm not the only one who gets concerned over the slightest details =)
TortoiseBoy1999 said:Haha! No way! I do it all the time! I didn't even know what the growth lines were and FREAKED out!
Atra42o said:Haha, I have yet to see any on Oogway (I think) I've only had him since 7/8/12. Someone found him in their backyard and brought him into Petco, and I just happened to be buying crickets for my frogs at the same time, so I know ZERO history lol... Actually, he still had his egg tooth until a few days ago, so I guess he must've just hatched when they found him. How can u tell if they grown? (other than weighing and measuring) He was exactly 2" they day I brought him home, now he's 2 1/4"... I guess that's good, right?
TortoiseBoy1999 said:That's good growth! And wow what a great story! Wish something like that would happen to me! The growth line's are in between the top scutes and the side scutes, its white lines in between them![]()
Atra42o said:Ok, I know exactly what ur talking about... I guess he has growth lines after all =) Do u have any sulcatas?
TortoiseBoy1999 said:Nope. I was going to get one but my
Mom said it would probably be better to get a leopard instead (since they are less destructive and dint get as big) so I have a Russian that I have had since April (14'th) 2012 and I got a baby Leopard tortoise about two weeks ago!
Atra42o said:Lol yeah, I've always wanted one, but never thought I'd actually own one until we crossed paths lol... But I'm so glad I was in the right place, at the right time... I'm just EXTREMELY nervous since I've never owned one, especially this young (except 2 eastern box turtles I had since I was 8 ) actually, I gave them to my best friend 4 years ago (we found them together) she wanted a turn since they've only ever lived at my house... I had 16 years and I see them almost daily, the only thing that's really changed for them is the scenery... But sulcatas are something totally different lol i can't wait to watch this guy grow up, he has such a good personality already, I imagine it's only gonna get better from here on... What's their names? (sorry if I ask too many questions ; ) lol)
Lol good name save... It's gonna b years before I know what Oogway is =( but maybe if he's a girl, I can call her Mrs. Oogway instead of Master lolTortoiseBoy1999 said:You don't ask to many questions! My Russians name WAS Stanley since I thought it was a boy but I recently discovered it is a girl so HER name is Sandyand my Leopards name is LEONARDO!
Atra42o said:Lol good name save... It's gonna b years before I know what Oogway is =( but maybe if he's a girl, I can call her Mrs. Oogway instead of Master lol