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Everything seems to be fine w/ new tortoise but just a few quickie questions. 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?

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.

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?

Thanks for the helpful responses...he'll benefit from everyone!!

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.

Thanks...mine must 2-3yrs old then -. Seems to be eating nearly whatever I put in front of or he finds wandering the yard...Loved the perennials that I put in just days prior to his arrival...kind of expensive for food though...

You really need to check to make sure that what he's eating is ok. Some perennials are not. There are tons of nice sites online that tell you. I grew nasturtiums for mine this year. She also likes pansies and LOVES hibiscus. Clover is good...dandelions....but some perennials are fatal.

Please check!

Maleea

>>>> Maleea

Waves at Maleea!!!
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PHRatz

mine must 2-3yrs old then

if you got your tort in a pet store, then there's a 99% chance that it's wild caught. if this is the case, the growth rates are much slower. all the RTs i've seen in stores are at least 5-8 years old.

matt

my russian tortoise leaves behind this white liquid stuff too. So, don't worry, it's completely normal. IF it isn't, we are BOTH in trouble. jk jk jk, I'm completely confident it's normal. Also, for the age, you can count the rings on the shell, although it's never completely accurate. remember, tortoises are something to treasure and keep forever.