Re: how do you tell the gender of a turtle [Amphibians, Invertebrates, Reptiles and other Animals]

puka777

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Posted on: 31/10/2007 6:21

how do you tell the gender of a turtle #1

ive got a eastern long neck turtle but im not sure if its a boy o a girl does anyone know?

longhairedgit

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Posted on: 31/10/2007 7:45

Re: how do you tell the gender of a turtle #2

Well the shape of the lower half of the shell near the back legs, may be slightly concave in males, but that usually requires the animal to be of a certain age and to have engaged in copulation quite a few times before its considered conclusive, and the males tail is usually slightly longer, though again this isnt completely conclusive.

You sex turtles by attempting a hemipenis eversion by appling a gentle but firm rolling pressure with forefinger and thumb or by using a probe to check for depth of the hemipenile sheath. This isnt something you should do without being shown how though as you could do the animal some serious harm. The shape of the ventral opening is probably not particularly indicative either.

If I were you, i'd take it to a local reptile pro and get them to show you how to do it safetly. I fear merely giving you a description of how to do it wont help, you really need to see it being done.

puka777

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Posted on: 31/10/2007 10:25

Re: how do you tell the gender of a turtle #3

if i give you pictures of the turtle good you ientify if its male or female

longhairedgit

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Posted on: 31/10/2007 19:57

Re: how do you tell the gender of a turtle #4

If you post a pic of their undersides and tails maybe I can give it a shot, but it depends on their age, some are quite obvious, others arent. Cant hurt to try.

smarttony

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Posted on: 31/10/2007 20:50

Re: how do you tell the gender of a turtle #5

A mate of mine just bought a pair of yellow belly terripin and was told the male has a longer tail than the female, and if they are the same size you should be able to tell.

Cardnim

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Posted on: 31/10/2007 22:18

Re: how do you tell the gender of a turtle #6

The best way to tell is to watch closely when they think you have left the room.

If one of the turtles undoes his belt, opens a beer and scratches himself while watching the footy and belching, then its a man turtle.

Alternatively, if it puts on a nice apron, bakes a fresh batch of scones and spends far too much time talking then its a lady turtle.

hehehe.