Does shyness reliably predict sex in young Aldabras?

[marty4dive]

How about the anecdotes that claim young female Aldabras are noticeably more shy than young male Aldabras? Can you reliably determine the sex of young Aldabrans this way? Toothless is way more shy than Jett who is about 3-4 y.o. and will routinely extend his neck for a good rubdown and scratch. Toothless will have none of that unless I sneak up on her(I want her to be a her) while she's eating.Marty

 

[wellington]

I am guessing here, but no. Something like that is so tort individual that I wouldn't count on it. However. ALDABRAMAN may know how his has turned out sex wise, compared to how they acted as younger ones. Good luck, on her being a her. Do you know for sure the other one is a he?

 

[BeeBee*BeeLeaves]

I am no aldabra expert, but the first thing I thought of was that maybe there is some bullying going on. An expert will chime in soon and help you. Beautiful tortoises! : )

 

[Jacqui]

I really would think not, but I have no experience with these guys. I am going to think it's a personality thing, nothing more. I do love the name Toothless!

 

[marty4dive]

I am guessing here, but no. Something like that is so tort individual that I wouldn't count on it. However. ALDABRAMAN may know how his has turned out sex wise, compared to how they acted as younger ones. Good luck, on her being a her. Do you know for sure the other one is a he?

No I don't know if Jett is a "he"; I'm probably just being anthropomorphic and engaging in wishful thinking but their behavior causes me to want to assign sex based on Toothless' shyness and Jett's willingness to engage with me a little by having his head and neck scratched. Like I said, it's probably me. Marty

 

[Yvonne G]

Both of my aldabran tortoises were very shy for the first 6 or 8 years of their lives, and both turned out male.

 

[Jacqui]

No I don't know if Jett is a "he"; I'm probably just being anthropomorphic and engaging in wishful thinking but their behavior causes me to want to assign sex based on Toothless' shyness and Jett's willingness to engage with me a little by having his head and neck scratched. Like I said, it's probably me. Marty

Nothing wrong with that. I bet you would find a lot of the tortoise keepers do the same thing, I know I do.

 

[ALDABRAMAN]

Can you reliably determine the sex of young Aldabrans this way?

* The only 100% way is a surgical procedure!

 

[wellington]

If it were me, I would keep up the wishful thinking and positive thinking. Can't hurt, right

 

[ALDABRAMAN]

If it were me, I would keep up the wishful thinking and positive thinking.

* I agree! Honestly, there is a difference in male and female behavior, however unless you spend a lot of time observing the details, it is very difficult to tell. This photo was taken today, see the one with his head up high, we are convinced that is a male based on his overall character and our observations since he was hatched. If it is not, it is for sure a strong dominant female. However, the only way to be 100% sure is to have a competent vet perform a surgical procedure.

 

[marty4dive]

If it were me, I would keep up the wishful thinking and positive thinking.

* I agree! Honestly, there is a difference in male and female behavior, however unless you spend a lot of time observing the details, it is very difficult to tell. This photo was taken today, see the one with his head up high, we are convinced that is a male based on his overall character and our observations since he was hatched. If it is not, it is for sure a strong dominant female. However, the only way to be 100% sure is to have a competent vet perform a surgical procedure.

What surgical procedure? I thought the vet just put a scope up the anus(cloaca?) and looked at the anatomy. Is that not right? Marty

 

[ALDABRAMAN]

What surgical procedure? I thought the vet just put a scope up the anus(cloaca?) and looked at the anatomy. Is that not right? Marty

* I have never had one done, from what i understand based on conversations is the vet makes an incision in the upper inner leg area and completes the procedure thru that cut.

 

[Holycow]

I'm surprised there is no blood test for this situation. Cutting holes in legs strikes me as pretty invasive.

 

[Yellow Turtle]

USG method also cannot determine sex and only through surgery?

 

[ALDABRAMAN]

Cutting holes in legs strikes me as pretty invasive.

* That is our first thoughts as well. Our main concern would be possible infection, especially when it is optional and elective!

 

[hmmca]

Greg is the one with the head up Turbo?

Thanks

 

[Yvonne G]

From what I gathered in talking to my vet one day one can't see a tortoise's penis by looking through the cloaca.

 

[ALDABRAMAN]

Greg is the one with the head up Turbo?

Thanks

* No, Turbo is not in that picture!