The Tortoise Table

Hello all - was hoping someone here could tell me the sec of my tortoise? It’s nearly five years old.

I would say a female from what I can see. What species is it.

Lin

It’s a Hermann’s

Although still young I would guess a female. Could this tortoise have laid eggs recently?

I can see a slight redish colouration towards the right hand side of the tail. Is that because she is warm or maybe just as the photo was taken it has caused a reflection from something?

Lin

I agree with Lin -- most probably female (although she has a fairly large tail for a female). How old is she? To adequately sex a Hermanns it needs to be at least 4 years old, and sometimes as old as 8 or 9 (because the tails can look similar up to that age), and at least 10 cm long -- but she does look from the photo (with your hand showing) like she's of a size to sex properly.

Nina

Thank you both. She’s 4, nearly 5. Previous owner thought she was male so I’m assuming she hasn’t laid eggs yet!

I think the red must be a reflection - it’s not there “ in real life”

That's good news then. Her tail does look a bit large -- almost swollen -- but that could just be the way she is or the camera angle, so not a problem (it's why Lin asked if she had recently laid eggs -- but at that age she couldn't have). Her anal scute also looks a little bit 'male'.
Could you send us a photo of her looking straight down on the top of her shell, and one from the back with her sitting on the ground but showing the tail (she might have it tucked in, but that's fine). Just to be sure.

Nina

Zampa wrote:
> I think the red must be a reflection - it’s not there “ in real life”

Here you go

It keeps telling me that the photo from above is too large? No idea why

Well the photo came out fine -- and it looks like she has lovely colouring too. From what I can see of her tail there, it doesn't look as big as in the other photo, so I think we're probably fine with the female ID (lol, at least until she/he flashes his bits at you at some point, and then you will get a shock!) The tortoise male sex organ is quite amazing and frightening!

Nina

I nipped out to the shops, sorry. I still go with my first thought of female though.

Really happy the colour was the reflection, had me a bit panicked there for a while.

Lin

I see what you mean about the red tint now. There's a very faint pink tint on the lower end of her plastron - it can't be seen under the UV lamp, and it only shows under natural light when the sun hits it at a certain angle. It looks more pale brown than pink, in real life. I've just noticed this this morning.

So yesterday I took her to the vet for a general checkup - he agrees she's female, but says she has an abnormal tail. It's grown a bit lumpy, which is why it looks swollen, but he's not concerned - she eats, pees and poops, and moves around easily.

Thanks again for all your help

Well done for taking her to the vet -- it's always good to check these things just in case, and I'm glad that she is well. It sounds to me like she is lucky to have found a home with you!

Nina