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How to Sex Your Sulcata Tortoise

Finding the sex of a Sulcata turtle is important in determining what other turtles it can be housed with, without breeding or fighting. It is also important in knowing how to name it. Most Sulcata turtles cannot be sexed as juveniles. They must weigh at least 10 pounds and be 12 inches long to be able to differentiate enough to determine sex. Even then, sexing a Sulcata turtle can be difficult. Some experts recommend choosing a gender-neutral name just in case.

Things You'll Need

Sulcata turtle photo guide
Ruler
Scale

Instructions

- 1
  Weigh your turtle to confirm that it is at least 10 pounds.
  
  Make sure it is longer than a standard ruler. If it fails these tests, it is not ready to be sexed. Sexing it as a juvenile can lead to misinterpretation.
- 2
  Observe the turtle's behavior for "flagging," in which it displays its penis.
  
  If you notice this, you can be assured that your Sulcata is male. Not all males exhibit flagging, however. Mounting another turtle is another indication that it is a male.
- 3
  Turn your turtle upside down.
- 4
  Obtain a photo guide that displays an upside down male Sulcata turtle, next to an upside down female Sulcata.
  
  Hold it next to your turtle. Compare the anal plastron -- the part of the bottom shell next to the tail -- of your turtle to those in the pictures. The anal plastron of the male is narrower than the female's. Use the pictures to determine the relative width of your turtle's anal plastron to determine the sex.

Animals & Science