Noticed a few times when he defecates, you get the expected dark solids but there have been a few times when it has been a white liquid...normal and/or what is it?

That's urates - the end product of digesting proteins. If it comes out hard or chunky - then get worried. Otherwise it's normal


Also, anything that they like for toys or is safe/fun for them to climb on in a cage? He loves to go out and just wander the yard-we call it exercise. His pen is 2X5 ft so there's room for a tortoise jungle gym if anyone has any suggestions.

My guys are very persistant about climbing rocks and logs. I just try to avoid creating anything that might trap them on their backs. So I would not place two large objects right next to each other, for example. Don't want the little guy to get trapped between them. Otherwise, just put in objects that are a little taller than he is, maybe like a half-round log, a "hill" shaped rock, etc.

Lastly, I know he's male but not sure of his approximate age...is there any defining way to get a good estimate on age?

Can't answer this one with any confidence since I've only raised a couple hatchlings for a year or longer.

Roughly:


fresh hatched = about 1.5" (based on 10 specimens)
1yr = 3 inches (based on 2 specimens)
2yrs = 4 inches (based on 1)
3yrs = Closing in on 5 inches (based on 1)

This is only for my attempts at captive-breeding. I may have a large/smaller subspecies than you do, I may over/under feed compared to others, etc. And I only have had one tort beyond 1 year of age. And males generally come out smaller by an inch or so in my experience.

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