Split Scutes

Both turtles and tortoise may be born with split scutes. There is nothing wrong with a turtle with split scutes, and this does not hinder the health in any manner.

I have three tortoises with split scutes, and these guys eat, sleep, and explore just like the rest.

Split scutes may come in a variety of appearances, from a zipper-back appearance, one or two extra scutes, many extra scutes, etc. As you can see to the right, Scuttle, one of my red foot tortoises, has many extra scutes; instead of the average of 13 scutes.

There is no defined reason as to why split scutes arise. Some believe it has to do with high incubation temperatures, whereas others believe it may have to do with genetics.

In most cases, a split scute will take up the same space as one regular sized/shaped scute. In other cases, it may reach into the area of two scutes.