Welcome Wanda!,



"Last year, she developed a nasty shell rot. She recovered beautifully. It was sold to me as a hybrid, a cross between an ornate, and an eastern. I am not sure that is correct, though!"



It's almost impossible to tell. However, I can see how her "look" is consistent with a hybrid between the two species. I'd say take the word of the person from whom you purchased the turtle. The only true way to tell for certain would be genetic testing.



"Also, how slow do these turtles grow? I also have a red foot tortoise, and she is taking off like a weed! Tulip does not seem to be gaining as much weight, and growing."



Tulip...ha, very cute. Yes, they grow much slower than a Redfoot tortoise. If you got her as a hatchling, and tulip is 2 winters old...she looks great! I'd say that she's right about on track. It can typically take from 5 to 10 years for a captive box turtle to reach adult size.



Nice little turtle!

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