How to recognize a turtle?

Several animals make up the fauna. They are so plentiful that humans have difficulty recognizing them and accurately distinguishing between male and female. This difficulty in recognizing them also applies to turtles. This is the case with turtles.

Due to our advanced knowledge in this area, we have decided to shed light on your gray areas by offering you this section.

Turtle identification can be based on species or sex. Most often, this identification is based on the turtle's structure and shape. However, it should be noted that sexing is only done for adult turtles.

In reading this section, you will have information on:

• The artificial technique used for baby sexing
• The distinction between male and female Hermann's tortoises
• DNA medical technology
• The structure of the two sexes

In this section, we will discover the appropriate methods and techniques for correctly identifying the sex of turtles.

Using an artificial technique to know the sex of a baby turtle

This is an artificial technique that allows the sex of a baby turtle to be identified. It requires more human input.

The conditions necessary to apply the artificial technique

Sexing has always been a concern for animals. But this difficulty is even more alarming for turtles. If you have a baby Hermann's tortoise , don't expect to know the sex right away.

This is to tell you that it is only possible to identify the sex of an adult Hermann's tortoise . Do you know why? Indeed, babies of this species, while still small, do not clearly display the necessary features.

If you want to know how to identify the sex of a turtle , find out in our blog article by following this link!

As a result, it is difficult to differentiate between the two sexes. But that doesn't mean it is impossible to identify the sex of a baby Hermann's tortoise. The Hermann's tortoise is a land tortoise . It is possible to determine the sex of a baby Hermann's tortoise during the incubation phase.

Sex identification during incubation of a turtle egg.

The incubation phase is a stage during which the baby develops inside the egg. The temperature during this stage easily determines the sex. The sex then emanates from the evolution of the incubation temperature . For normal egg growth, the incubation temperature should vary between 28 and 32 °C. However, if the temperature is below 28 °C, then your future turtle will be a male.

When the temperature hovers around 32°C, then this turtle will be a female. This identification technique is only possible if you have decided to monitor the egg's development. It is a highly valued technique because it allows you to determine the sex of your future turtle. Although effective, it requires a lot of attention and dedication on your part.

Steps to take to control the sex of your baby turtle

For this technique to be successful, it is important that the humidity level is sufficient. The humidity level represents the amount of water in the air. This sex identification technique also applies to reptiles.

Let's understand then that the sex variation so often observed in these animals in nature is linked to the effect of mother nature. Climate change greatly influences eggs buried underground. Temperature can also act against the growth of turtle eggs. The land turtle is an animal without cold.

This is why she doesn't even take the time to cover her own eggs. That said, it's a good idea to collect these eggs in order to place them under the right temperature and humidity. Under these optimal conditions, the egg's growth is ensured. Unlike land turtles, aquatic turtles lay their eggs on the beach, but return when they hatch.

Using Shell Size and Shape to Determine Turtle Sex

The size and shape of turtles can be a good indicator of their sex . Male turtles have a different size and shape than females.

Key characteristics of a male Hermann's tortoise

Quite often, breeders opt for Hermann's tortoises. This explains why we use these species as an example. The difference between the tortoises begins to be visible during the fifth year.

As for the male's shell , called the plastron, it is hollow. The plastron is concave. It is also through this structure of its shell that the male turtle easily manages to mount a female. You will notice these distinctive features more if you have both sexes facing each other or in a photo.

It's easier to identify a turtle's sex when they're breeding. In fact, during breeding, the male turtle usually bites his partner's hind legs and claws to immobilize her. With these hind legs and claws , the male turtle positions himself comfortably on his partner for proper mating. As for his plastron, it fits very well with the female's carapace. He also has a longer tail. This tail is often folded to the side.

The Distinctive and Unique Features of a Female Hermann's Tortoise

The female is distinguished by a shorter tail and a convex shell. In fact, during reproduction, the male turtle gets into the habit of biting the hind legs and claws of his partner in order to immobilize her. The ends of the tails are surrounded by a horny claw. However, this claw is 3 times longer in the male than in the female.

In addition, the male's cloaca represents his anus, and is further from the base. In addition, the male's cloaca represents his anus, and is further from the base. On the other hand, in a female, the space around the cloaca and near the hind legs is a little wide. This structure allows the female to comfortably evacuate the eggs.

But for small female turtles, egg retention is a possibility. They have great difficulty laying eggs. This is why it is imperative to consult a veterinarian during egg laying. If you want to see your turtle's plastrons, turn her for a few moments. Be careful not to keep her in this position for too long. You risk damaging her body. In addition to these characteristics, the curvature of the supracaudal scute of female turtles, located above the tail, is also a determining factor.

Consult a veterinarian to find out the sex of the turtle

In addition to these techniques, you can consult a veterinarian to determine the sex of your turtle. If it's important to you, of course. Veterinarians, with their training, can determine the sex of your turtle simply by performing a thorough examination. To perform this examination, you simply need to provide the veterinarian with a DNA sample.

From this sample and some laboratory analysis, he will be able to identify the turtle's sex. This is a medical method called DNA sexing. Although this method is effective, it is not adopted or offered by all veterinarians. It is a technique often used on birds and all other reptile species. Note that for the sampling, you are the only person who can do it.

Artificial techniques, distinctive features , and medical techniques are all approaches that allow you to easily identify the sex of turtles. These methods are all legal and will not get you into trouble with the law.