sulcata leg scales
- Thread starter tczar
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Its my GUESS that these are geographical variations within the huge range of the sulcata. I've noticed several different looking "types" of sulcatas over the years. Leg scales are just one of the variations.
BTW, have you seen RV's leg scales? Do a search for "Sharkstar" if you want to see the most beautiful female sulcata that has ever lived. She's got really exaggerated leg scales and she looks magnificent. An interesting note is that she is also very smooth, just like yours. I wonder if the torts from the area with the bigger leg scales are also more resistant to pyramiding for some reason... could be just coincidence.
BTW, have you seen RV's leg scales? Do a search for "Sharkstar" if you want to see the most beautiful female sulcata that has ever lived. She's got really exaggerated leg scales and she looks magnificent. An interesting note is that she is also very smooth, just like yours. I wonder if the torts from the area with the bigger leg scales are also more resistant to pyramiding for some reason... could be just coincidence.
tczar said:
I always thought it was due to digging. I am going to take a look at the sanctuary in a few weeks, some of them dig, others just hang in sheds.
Jermosh said:
Mine don't dig at all. They just walk around above ground and sleep in their night house. Mine are all of the smaller/shorter leg scale variety.
Tom said:
Maybe we are talking about something else, or I am not seeing it right.
If you look on the mid forearm, the scales look worn down, they have a oblong shape, but maybe I am not reasoning it right.
Is tht a pic of huge sulcatas? How much do they weigh?
Scales get worn down from digging, harder soil will wear them down. Tortoises kept in captivity that dont have to dig have leg scales that protrude further.
franeich said:
No, I found those in Google once. They are majestic for sure.
If you are in Phoenix, you can find ones that big at www.phoenixherp.com.
No, I found those in Google once. They are majestic for sure.
If you are in Phoenix, you can find ones that big at www.phoenixherp.com.
i think that is a pic of a rescue breeding center in africa, but i cant find the info.. yes?? post a link to where you found that?
Mine have flat-ish leg scales like that and they don't dig and have never been underground.
tczar said:
I love the first picture of 'Silo'..........that is definatley a calender shot!..
Have you entered the photo contest? I would give your pic my vote!
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I was just thinking the same thing. That first photo of Silo is stunning, I love the face!
Tom, we have all seen your posts of cinder block enclosures, those blocks are alot harder than soil, and I bet the living quarters are made of cinder blocks too. When they dig in at night they rub their forearms against the wall, whether its cinder block, soil, or wood. Its that action that causes the wear. I should have been clearer, sorry, whats obvious to me is not always obvious to every body else.
Livingstone said:Tom, we have all seen your posts of cinder block enclosures, those blocks are alot harder than soil, and I bet the living quarters are made of cinder blocks too. When they dig in at night they rub their forearms against the wall, whether its cinder block, soil, or wood. Its that action that causes the wear. I should have been clearer, sorry, whats obvious to me is not always obvious to every body else.
They really don't touch the walls of their enclosure much and their night time houses are either a rubbermade plastic one or a painted wooden one.
This is a genetic trait, not an environmentally controlled thing. RV who has really long, pronounced leg scales is also surrounded by cinderblock walls.
Livingstone said:Tom, we have all seen your posts of cinder block enclosures, those blocks are alot harder than soil, and I bet the living quarters are made of cinder blocks too. When they dig in at night they rub their forearms against the wall, whether its cinder block, soil, or wood. Its that action that causes the wear. I should have been clearer, sorry, whats obvious to me is not always obvious to every body else.
They really don't touch the walls of their enclosure much and their night time houses are either a rubbermade plastic one or a painted wooden one.
This is a genetic trait, not an environmentally controlled thing. RV who has really long, pronounced leg scales is also surrounded by cinderblock walls.
Good point. I still dont think its entirely genetic. Ill take a close up of livingstones arm and post it. Ill show you why it made sense to me that it was the digging and rubbing that casued them to go flat.
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