how to sex a horsfield

[andy1963]

hi all i have a horsefield i think he or she is about 3 years old how can you tell the sex.

 

[GBtortoises]

Determining gender is based very much on the size of the tortoise and if it has developed yet. A male will have a tail that is very thick at the base and long with the cloacal opening usually out past the edge of the carapace. A female may also have a tail that is thick a the base but will be much shorter and often "stubby" in appearance. The clocal opening will usually be much closer to the body near the base of the tail. If you can post a clear photo of the rear underneath of your tortoise someone here should be able to tell for certain whether it's a male or female.

 

[dmmj]

3 is probably a little to young, they usually need to be around 4 inches or so before you can start sexing them, pictures would be nice so we can all guess. Is it a Captive born or a Wild caught?

 

[Yvonne G]

Hi Andy1963:

Welcome to the forum!! May we know where you are? Is your name Andy?

 

[andy1963]

Hi Andy1963:

Welcome to the forum!! May we know where you are? Is your name Andy?

hi yes my name is Andy i liv in sheffield.

 

[andy1963]

3 is probably a little to young, they usually need to be around 4 inches or so before you can start sexing them, pictures would be nice so we can all guess. Is it a Captive born or a Wild caught?

hi am not 100% sure on age he is about 5 inches long and is captive born
will try to upload some pics later

 

[Yvonne G]

At 5" he's past being a youngster and should be easy to sex.