Common Tortoise Definitions

Here I will post some commonly used Tortoise definitions, as I remember more I will update.

Definitions

Hatchling ~ A tortoise within 3 months of age. 0-12 months.

Yearling ~ A tortoise that is one year old or has not completed its second year. 12-24 months.

Sub-adult ~ A tortoise that has exceeded juvenile age, but has not yet reached adult age.  Usually about 3 years old, depending on species.

Adult ~ Fully grown tortoise; fully mature.

Carapace ~ The hard upper shell of a tortoise, crustacean or arachnid.

Plastron ~ The bottom part of the carapace, bottom of shell.

Scutes ~ The “plates” of the carapace are called scutes, not shields or scales.

Pyramiding ~ A shell deformity commonly found in captive tortoises and turtles.

Shell rot ~ Ulcers of the shell may be superficial or deep, and may be termed “shell rot”.  Ulcers are generally a result of poor husbandry.

Soaking ~ The act of placing your tortoise in warm water and hydrating him/her.  This also helps the tort pass urates and stools.  Does good for the tortoises temperature.

Urates ~ This is the end product of protein digestion and is also stored in the urinary bladder as a creamy, off-white pasty semi-solid.

Substrate ~ The surface or material on or from which an organism lives, grows, or obtains its nourishment.