When choosing a baby sulcata...

[Egwene]

There are light colored ones and dark colored ones and well ones that have irregular lines instead of what you normally see. Is there a difference in health in those that have non straight lines? Picking up today so need to know. Thanks in advance for your assistance. Pic below shows one with lots of variations on the shell. Right hand side 3rd from the top.

 

[russian/sulcata/tortoise]

the ones with the irregular/extra scutes are the same as the ones with normal scutes, its only cosmetic. when you picing your new baby make sure its bright eyed and not sluggish.

 

[Dizisdalife]

Knowing how the babies were started is more important than which baby is chosen. Some breeders are still keeping they hatchlings way too dry, causing problems down the road as they begin to grow. Read this:
http://www.tortoiseforum.org/threads/things-to-know-when-buying-a-sulcata.11012/

 

[Egwene]

Wonderful information. I had read similar during the last 8 years while considering this purchase. Great as a refresher. One thing I couldn't find was the irregular scutes. I know the person selling has stated being soaked daily but being kept in a dry environment otherwise. They have been with him for 1-2 months. Would this cause issues if I start keeping the environment with more humidity and moisture now? What is a good humidity for little ones? Right now I have the setup with about 70% humidity. Is this too much?
Thanks for everyones assistance.

 

[russian/sulcata/tortoise]

the humidity for the enclosure should be around 80%+. if the temps are right then there really is not such a thing as to much humidity. it would be beneficial to put them in a moist environment.

 

[russian/sulcata/tortoise]

can you post some pics of the enclosure?

 

[Tom]

Wonderful information. I had read similar during the last 8 years while considering this purchase. Great as a refresher. One thing I couldn't find was the irregular scutes. I know the person selling has stated being soaked daily but being kept in a dry environment otherwise. They have been with him for 1-2 months. Would this cause issues if I start keeping the environment with more humidity and moisture now? What is a good humidity for little ones? Right now I have the setup with about 70% humidity. Is this too much?
Thanks for everyones assistance.

The colors and or irregular scutes should have no impact on health.

Here is what really matters. PLEASE read this before you buy:
http://www.tortoiseforum.org/threads/hatchling-failure-syndrome.23493/

Then these three will get you up to speed:
http://www.tortoiseforum.org/threads/how-to-raise-a-healthy-sulcata-or-leopard-version-2-0.78361/
http://www.tortoiseforum.org/threads/beginner-mistakes.45180/
http://www.tortoiseforum.org/threads/for-those-who-have-a-young-sulcata.76744/

 

[Dizisdalife]

Would this cause issues if I start keeping the environment with more humidity and moisture now? What is a good humidity for little ones?

There should be no issue with going from a dry habitat to a moist one. I caution you to be sure that you have adequate heat at all times. High humidity and cool temperature is a recipe for a sick tortoise. Keep the humidity at least 80% and the temperature at 80°-85°. Create a "humid hide" for your baby that has 90-100% RH. Spray the shell with water often. When they sit under a basking lamp the humidity at their shell can drop dramatically.

 

[leopard777]

i would get the top right , scutes look so interesting

 

[AmRoKo]

i would get the top right , scutes look so interesting

I agree with this! THAT ONE THAT ONE THAT ONE! THAT ONE RIGHT THERE!

 

[Hermes]

I would personally go for the fat one on the top right! Or maybe the one all the way left!

 

[Yvonne G]

I see two with irregular scutes. If I were buying one, I would buy the one on the right. I love those irregular scutes. Chances are good that this batch will be female. (but not guaranteed)