Someone gave me two small Desert Tortoises, but I think they may be Sulcata. How can you tell them appart?

Question

I know desert tortoises are an endangered species in California (where i live) so that is why i thought they were sulcata. Online i cannot tell the difference in the small tortoises in pictures. They are about 5" long. What are the physical characterists so that i can figure out what kind they are (in laymans terms, i'm no tortoise expert)

Answer 1

Sulcatas have very distinctive features- remember tortoises and turtles are like a balloon with printing on - you may not be able to read what it says until you blow it up- same thing with these guys . They have ALL their markings and physical characteristics when they hatch - They just get bigger and their shell plates grow. Their shells are like fingerprints- no two alike .
The common name for sulcata is African Spur thigh . Look at their back legs (what would be their butt cheeks ) - Do you see what looks like two sets of little thorn-like spurs close to either side of the tail? You most likely have sulcatas. I am in San Diego area and we have many breeders. Sulcatas can produce huge clutches of eggs and we get a real seasonal flood of babies . They are relatively cheap because of this - and unfortunately end up in the hands of many who cannot provide for these "cows with shell" I call them little bulldozers. They need sun and grazing and eventually end up averaging 100 + pounds at maturity .Keep this in mind for the future .
The only other tortoise that has distinctive spurs is commonly called the Mediterranean tortoise . (geochelone gracilis) These are located in the same place but the spurs are smaller, shorter and blunter.They are not as common, nor do they get nearly as large .Hope this helps in the identification. Aren't those babies cute???/!!!!

Answer 2

desert tortoises are darker than sulcatas. sulcatas are almost gold in color and desert tortoises are brown/gray. thats what i know

Answer 3

check the photos:
Sulcata:

http://coldbloodedpets.com/animals/sulcata.jpg

http://www.turtlehomes.org/usa/images/SulcataTortoiseSalad.jpg

Desert:

http://www.astroshow.com/west/tortoise.jpg