Softshell Turtle..???

Question

I have two softshell turtles and I was wondering if there is a way to tell if one is a boy or girl. How do you know for softshells?

Thanks to everyone who answers.

Answer 1

Softshells are easy- once they are near adulthood.

Males will have a SUBSTANTIALLY longer, thicker tail than the female.

In addition, the female grows to approximately twice the size of the male.

There is no significant difference in the concavity of the shell or the length of the claws, unlike most other turtles.

If they are still babies, you will not be able to determine gender.

Answer 2

Dion is right about belly shape and claw length. The only safe way to tell is to look at the tail from underneath. With the tail held straight back, is the vent under the upper shell or beyond it? If beyond, you have an adult male. If under it, you have a female or an immature male.

Answer 3

Um. I hope you have a HUGE tank.

Females will get considerably larger than males... remember 10 gallons of water for every inch of carapace length.

Answer 4

Telling the Difference Between Boy and Girl Turtles

If your turtle is female she will have a sightly convex bottom shell. A male will have a concave stomach. Think of two turtles mating, male on top needs to "fit" on felmails rounded top shell.

Also, males usually have longer nails. It may be too early to tell and it can be hard to determine if you don't have a side by side comparision. After about 3-4 years, depending on size, you may notice your female laying eggs.

Here is more advice and input from others:

Male turtles have very long tails and females tails are slightly shorter than the male. Male turtles may also have a slightly concave bottom shell (like the "inside" of a spoon).

It is very hard to tell. Your vet may be able to help. In general, boy turtles have slightly longer tails and their bottom shells are more concave (curving inward) than girl turtles.

Female turtles tend to be bigger than the males. However, as they are growing from babies to adults, this fact can not effectively apply. Thus, we have to look at the toenails and tails. Male turtles have longer toenails and longer tails than the female turtles. Males also have a bulge where their p***s is located.