- Joined
- Jul 16, 2014
- Messages
- 29,128
- Location (City and/or State)
- South Eastern Florida (U.S.A.)/Rock Hill S.C.
Is HE or isn't SHE?
My 9 or 10 year old Redfoot, Julio, I've had since it was tiny and I rescued him from a small aquarium at the Fort Lauderdale SWAP SHOP Flea Market.
He has been my only long term "keeper" tortoise. I've had dozens live here for a while. Some needing new forever homes. Some needing medical attention. But Julio will be with me until one of us dies.
When I found him, he looked like a him. In fact, he resembled someone I knew. So he got his name, Julio.
For a few years I assumed that Julio was a boy. Backed by his aggressive attitude and bossy nature towards other Redfoot.
Then, Julio looked to be developing female traits. Classic short, fat tail and U shaped vent. She was officially called my "female named Julio". More years passed. Other tortoises took the majority of my time and Julio just kept on thriving with very little assistance.
Then this happened:
He looks Male again during his semi whenever check up. I do this about twice a year. Weigh and look over the animal. His tail is fat, but long and his plastron is getting dished. Concaved.
(Those of you that have followed me know how horrible I am about guessing tortoise sexes.)
So I ask you,
Is HE or isn't SHE?
I'm leaning heavily towards female even now.
In the first photo I'm just showing off that FACE.
My 9 or 10 year old Redfoot, Julio, I've had since it was tiny and I rescued him from a small aquarium at the Fort Lauderdale SWAP SHOP Flea Market.
He has been my only long term "keeper" tortoise. I've had dozens live here for a while. Some needing new forever homes. Some needing medical attention. But Julio will be with me until one of us dies.
When I found him, he looked like a him. In fact, he resembled someone I knew. So he got his name, Julio.
For a few years I assumed that Julio was a boy. Backed by his aggressive attitude and bossy nature towards other Redfoot.
Then, Julio looked to be developing female traits. Classic short, fat tail and U shaped vent. She was officially called my "female named Julio". More years passed. Other tortoises took the majority of my time and Julio just kept on thriving with very little assistance.
Then this happened:
He looks Male again during his semi whenever check up. I do this about twice a year. Weigh and look over the animal. His tail is fat, but long and his plastron is getting dished. Concaved.
(Those of you that have followed me know how horrible I am about guessing tortoise sexes.)
So I ask you,
Is HE or isn't SHE?
I'm leaning heavily towards female even now.
In the first photo I'm just showing off that FACE.
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