All Turtles Message Board

Claudia · Guest Joined: 26 Nov 2002 Posts: 2

I just got a painted turtle, named Jellybean, from a friend who moved. He does not know if Jellybean is a boy or girl. His ventral side is completely flat. Could someone tell me how to figure out a painted turtle\'s gender.

Thanks,Claudia

Wu-Gwei · Level 3 Joined: 18 Oct 2002 Posts: 194

How old is your painted turtle? For many turtles, the females are bigger in size than the males. The males have a thicker and longer tail and longer claws when they get older. Often the first sign of sex is the difference in size and the thickness of tails.

Cheers,
JJ:)

Honu · Level 1 Joined: 09 Nov 2002 Posts: 21

Hi. I just want to say, I\'m in the same problem. I just call my turtle \"him\".

Honu · Level 1 Joined: 09 Nov 2002 Posts: 21

Hi. I just want to say, I\'m in the same problem. I just call my turtle \"him\".

Claudia · Guest Joined: 26 Nov 2002 Posts: 2

The turtle is eight years old. I just measured his/her shell. From shell closest to head measured to shell of tail is nine inches. Across measures 6 1/2 inches.

Thanks for any input,
Claudia

Wu-Gwei · Level 3 Joined: 18 Oct 2002 Posts: 194

You\'re measuring CL (carapace length) right? Well CL is actually the length of the upper shell without the curve. But by the sounds of it you have a big turtle and it\'s probably - A SHE!

Cheers,
JJ:)

BellaTortuga · Level 1 Joined: 13 Dec 2002 Posts: 7

I don\'t have a lot of turtle experience, but I did a lot of research recently to sex my own new purchase.
With a lot of species the plastron of males curves in and females are flat, so that also points to Jellybean being a she, since you said yours was flat.