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I need help identifying two tortoises.

magpiejays Jul 24, 2012 08:48 PM

My mother works at a county animal shelter, and two tortoises were dropped off recently within the span of a couple of days. Not a lot is known about them, other than they are probably malnourished. I ended up taking them in because I had a tortoise when I was little and I have the time to devote to them.

My mom thinks they are both females, and that one is a a Greek tortoise (Nancy), and the other one is a leopard tortoise (Erma).

I plan on building them a tortoise table asap (Erma came in a 20 gallon tank with shavings, Nancy came in a box with nothing) but before I do I would like to know their breeds before so I know what substrate they need, temperatures for basking areas, and best diets. I also would like to know if I can house them together. (I am more of a bird person than a herp person so while I know a lot about animal care, and enrichment, I don't know about herps )

Anyway here's pictures.

Nancy and Erma together:

Nancy is the larger of the two. Both seem pretty well socialized. Nancy doesn't hide in her shell much at all and when you hold her she just keeps walking. When let out she will just keep exploring, and she seems to favor heading east. Is that odd for a tortoise? Does it mean anything?

Erma is a little shy. More afraid of her surroundings, and seems more comfortable to explore things inside. When I take her outside for enrichment she usually stays in the same area mostly hiding, some times moving.

Erma's top:

Erma's underside:

Erma's face:

Erma's foot:

Her eyes seem really watery, and I am not sure why. Also it looks like she is missing some scales above some of her toes. There is white skin instead of scales. I am concerned for her, and am wondering if it is normal or if it is due to some thing that needs treatment from a vet.

Nancy's top:

Nancy's underside:

Nancy's face:

I really appreciate any feed back in advance. Also if there are any websites you wonderful folks can share with me I'd really enjoy it.

Thanks in advance!

Replies (9)

nocturnalnature Jul 25, 2012 02:51 AM

They both look like Russians to me, but the pic is extremely grainy on the IPad.

magpiejays Jul 25, 2012 02:59 AM

There should be more than one pic, the first one is definitely grainy.

The others are pretty clear though!

nocturnalnature Jul 25, 2012 03:52 AM

Only one pic is showing for me. Guess I should have bought a real computer LOL!

Paradon Jul 25, 2012 04:10 AM

It looks like you have Russian tortoises.

magpiejays Jul 25, 2012 02:12 PM

Whatchya talking about those iPhones are practically real pc's they're so snappy. (This is coming from a computer engineer!)

EJ Jul 25, 2012 06:47 AM

Two really nice looking female Russian tortoises.

This might help you with their care...

http://www.amazon.com/Russian-Tortoises-Complete-Herp-Care/dp/0793828821
-----
Ed @ Tortoise Keepers
Trying to keep the fun in Chelonian care

Paradon Jul 26, 2012 03:48 AM

Did you write the book? I've seen it many times but never bought it. It seems like a great book.

EJ Jul 26, 2012 08:37 AM

Yup... proud to say it is in its 5 printing... or there about.

>>Did you write the book? I've seen it many times but never bought it. It seems like a great book.
-----
Ed @ Tortoise Keepers
Trying to keep the fun in Chelonian care

magpiejays Jul 26, 2012 01:34 PM

Nice! I'll have to see if I can locate a copy at one of the local libraries. Thanks for the recommend.

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