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When I got her at age 1 her previous owner didn't do too much care of her back end and she has black stains on her thighs, and some on her legs, which I am guessing is from her stool. I soak her every two days and try to brush it off with a soft tooth brush, but as she(?)is such a small tortoise she pulls her legs in and there isn't much that can be done, does anyone have some advice for removing these dark brown, black stains on the back of her thighs? Are they harmful?

thanks for any help, Julia

p.s. does anyone know where I can get a growth chart for african spurred thighs? I want to make sure she is gaining wieght and and size at an appropriate rate, she is just 2 years old and 6 1/2 inches

Most people refer to African Spur Thighed Tortoises as Sulcattas to avoid confusion with other Spur Thighed species, such as Mediterranean.
Okay, first of all, it sounds as though the diet that you are feeding this tortoise might be too rich in dark leafy greens, which contain too much water and not enough fiber for Sulcattas. They can be used sporadically, but should not make up the majority of the tortoises diet. Try mixing in some Timothy or Orchard Hay to add additional fiber. The excess water from the store bought produce, combined with the lack of fiber, can result in exceedingly loose stools, which can account for the dark stains on the rear and legs of the tortoise. This can be bad for the tortoise if not corrected, as it could lead to intestinal problems. Also, these same dietary deficiencies can result in 'pyramiding', which you mention may also be a problem. Try mixing up the diet with the addition of some grass or hay, and check out some of these tortoise sites for additional care information:

http://www.sulcata-station.org/
http://home.earthlink.net/~rednine/sulcatacare.html
http://www.sonic.net/melissk/sulcata.html
http://www.tortoisetrust.org/care/csulcata.html
http://www.turtlehomes.org/usa/sulcatacaresheet.shtml

I see Shively has answered your question for the most part. All I would add is that the stains are probably not dangerous. They will disappear as the old skin sloughs off and is replaced by new skin. Just keep up the regular soakings to hasten the process.

Also, it seems to be a point of much consfusion, but the Sulcata is not called the African spur-thighed tortoise. Spur-thighed tortoises are from the medeterranean, much smaller than the sulcata and not even related to them. The sulcata's other name is African spurred tortoise, or just spurred tortoise. No mention of "thigh."

It is good to see so many good responses to your inquiry. Tortoisehead and Shrively have valid points. I have found with my three sulcatas that a large infusion of grass is beneficial for their digestive tracts. Hay is good, but ours just don't seem interested in it. They, however, absolutely love the bluegrass and fescue mix we laid in their pen. We also plant bird seed in their pen so they get a good weed content also. We also feed them a wide assortment of veggie scraps from the supermarket--the only foods to really avoid with them are the toxic ones, like eggplant and avacadoes, and the worthless ones, like iceberg (head) lettuce. There are more toxic veggies than the ones I mentioned, but I don't really have the time to list all of them here. If you need a list, post a request, I'm sure that dozens of herp-lovers here know them all. The key to their diet is variety--but mostly roughage, like grass, hay, and kale. Other types of greens are good, as well. (Mine particularly love brussel sprouts--go figure) But don't give him too much of any of it.
And the second important point the others made is, it is much easier to simply refer to these guys as "Sulcatas." Their technical name is "Geochelone Sulcata," and there are important differences between these beauties and the "spur-thigh" tortoise. Primarily size, but others as well. Sulcatas are phenominal animals, and yours will do very well, if you give him the proper diet and environment. Good luck
menagerie