Is my new marginated tort a cross breed?

[Reb70]

Hi there,
I posted on another thread about my new tort purchased today and registered as a marginated. I now believe she may be a cross breed?
Breeder kept mixed med species together in the garden. General husbandry was good, lovely wild garden perfect for torts, all seemed well.
This is my first tort and I was keen to get it right so am a little concerned now.
She lacks the triangular marks on her plastron. She's also quite large for 11 months old? Am I right? Shell is 70mm, weight approx 70-80g although scales not digital.
I was advised to come on here by the TPG FB group as they said you have had some similar cases posted on here?

Here are some pics....






Hope the pics worked???
I look forward to your thoughts

[egyptiandan64]

Yes sadly it is a hybrid It is 3/4 Marginated and 1/4 Spur-thigh. Unless they have been sold on the breeder is on the Isle of Wight and someone sells them for them on the mainland.
There are sadly a few around just like your's.

Danny

[Suze65]

My first two came from a breeder on the isle of white and were sold by someone on the mainland , but are definitely Margies, but I just read your other thread, you have said yours is large for it's age and already starting to pyramid. So where mine, mine where two years when I got them and where very lumpy, but I didn't know any better then and baught them, I wouldn't now. Their shells aren't great, unlike my other margies I have raised from hatchlings and some young ones that came to me smooth. Like you I feel disappointed . If it's the same breeder I would agree , they are a bit unscrupulous .

[Suze65]

If you want know of any good Marginated breeders, send me a PM

[lonelylayla]

Oh dear, that is so disappointing for you I saw your post on the FB page and wondered as there were no triangular markings Appreciate tort has a few bumps, but is a cheeky little chap and very sweet Were you hoping to breed with the tort, or is he/she a pet?

[tortydat]

Definitely a hybrid as there are no distinct triangles on the plastron but they do grow into very handsome tortoises. What does the Article 10 licence say it is?
Mary

[Suze65]

Agree with Mary, it will still grow into a lovely tortoise.

[Catwoman63]

I agree too, cross breeds still make beautiful looking torts x

[suttysue]

How discusting that some people are quite happy to con people for the sake of a few quid! I do not know how they sleep at night, but sadly they do!
Have to say your he/she is a lovely, cute likkle torty who I am sure will have a lovely personality so just love him/her regardless.
What goes around comes around!

[Reb70]

Thanks all. Yes I am hugely disappointed and feel annoyed at the breeders. However, they were pleasant enough people and did have a nice spacious set up, and clearly loved their torts.
I don't think they were selling on for someone, but they had only recently moved in to this property in Poole, so maybe they had moved over from the IOW, I didn't ask?
She showed me the incubator proudly with 16 eggs in ready for this years hatch! All looked clean. She was friendly and I didn't feel uncomfortable.

I woke up this morning, and there was little tort (Mildred), she'd got up already for the day and was waiting for her breakfast!! I gave her a warm bath and she loved it, falling a sleep and stretching out, having a drink and a wee. Then she tucked into some weeds, and had a long bask. I don't think I can take her back.

I'm not intending to breed, and just wanted a happy healthy tortoise as a family pet. So hopefully as you say she'll grow into a handsome tortoise and be a healthy and fab pet.

She has them down as 'Marginated' on the yellow certificates. She also breeds Hermanns. I guess the trouble might be that if I ever need to rehome her, she is registered as a Marginated, but of course isn't. Does that matter? Is it illegal?

What do you think I should do? Should I contact the breeders, or what? They were advertised on the TPG fb page, so perhaps they shouldn't show her details anymore?? I don't want to cause any upset but even if they are unintentionally cross breeding, surely that's not a great idea?