I have a Red Earred Turtle that is 4 years old, how do I find out what s*x it is?

Question

I have a Red Earred Turtle that is 4 years old, how do I find out what s*x it is?

Answer 1

Females:

Have a flat or convex plastron (more room for the eggs)

Have the opening (cloaca) closer to the shell

Shorter claws than males

Smaller tails

Males:

Have a flat or concave plastron (better for fitting on top the female during breeding)

Have the opening (cloaca) about 2/3 from the shell towards the tip of the tail

Long claws on their front legs (this helps them grip onto their mate)

Often have larger/fatter tails than females

Its almost impossible to tell the differences when they are babies.

A Female: (according to yahoo search)

http://www.handicappedpets.com/Gallery03...

A Male:

http://www.turtletimes.com/photocontest/...

if in doubt ask a breeder they will tell you for free :) you may also call a vet to ask over the phone, that will be free as well. nothing is wrong with the turtle so there is no need to take it in.

hope something gives you the answer you want.

Answer 2

If he / she is over 3" then the front nails of the nails will end up longer than the female, go figure. He will also have a fatter longer tail also and the males will always be smaller in size than the males.

http://www.flickr.com/photos/29035692@N0...

Did you know that they need to bask under a reptile light UVA/UVB for  8 to 10 hrs a day for the vitamin D that  they need to grow. So that means getting a turtle dock also.

Leave the heater on 75 to 78 degrees always.

Their water needs to be clean otherwise they get sick easily from dirty water cause they p**p allot.

You need a good filter system!

You need to feed them feeder guppies, goldfish or minnows for protein and calcium daily drop 20 or so in the tanks and watch them disappear! This way when they swim for their dinner they get exercise also!

They need leafy greens( Romaine, Butter lettuce. Iceberg and cabbage are bad for them, any leafy greens will do) for vitamins at least 3 to 4 times a week.

And a big tank 55 gallons or more..

Answer 3

There are fairly distinct differences between the male and female red eared slider, but they may not be obvious until the turtle reaches sexual maturity. For males, this is about they time they reach 4 inches in length (about 2-5 years old). Females are sexually mature when they reach 6-7 inches in length (may take 5-7 years).

Answer: Male red eared sliders have much longer claws on their front feet than females. As well, the tail of males is longer and thicker. The cloaca is located farther from the body in males, and males also may have a slightly concave (curved inward) plastron.

Answer 4

Turn the turtle over, Look at the "plate" or bottom side of the turtle. The male will have a slight dent...female will not.

Answer 5

Your turtle may or may not be old enough. In a mature male, the front claws are strikingly longer than the rear ones and the vent is beyond the rear edge of the carapace when the tail is held straight back. Immature males look like females.