On the topic of split scutes being genetic- I would defer to someone who has lots of field experience or perhaps someone who commercially breeds large numbers of animals. I understand that a large breeder may not know who sired a clutch or even which animal laid the eggs so the genetics might be hard to figure unless some huge clutch layers (eg sulcata) with split scutes had a majority of hatchlings with split scutes on a consistent basis. I was just going by the conventional wisdom of high incubation temps=more split scutes. It has been pointed out to me that some males have split scutes and the specifics of TDSD is unknown in some torts so my hypothesis that high temps=more split scutes= more likely female tortoise is questionable.

Even if there is a genetic component, I suppose I am putting split scutes in the category of "three toes on back legs" as opposed to more drastic abnormalities.

I emphasize that I in no way question the motivation or experience of Vic Morgan, and maybe someday I will have a hatchlng that is blind or deformed in some way, raise it as a challenge and become attached to it.

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