Here are some male/ female characteristics if you are having trouble sexing your box turtles.

Male three-toed top; Female three-toed bottom.

First of all take a look at the turtles plastron. If it is concave then it is very probably a male. If it is relatively flat than it is a female. However this isn't the best way. My female Ornate has a concave plastron and my male has a flat plastron. Picture of a females plastron

Next look at the turtles eyes. If they are red then the turtle is a male. Females eyes are usually dark to light brown.

A very good way to tell is just by looking at the turtles shell. Females shells are usually more high domed than the males. This is so they can develop the eggs. Males are somewhat flat and the carapace is usually frilled on the back.

Another good way is to look at the turtles tail. Males tails are thicker and the cloaca, or the opening on the under end of the tail, is located more to the tip of the tail. With females the tail is not as thick and the cloaca is located closer to the turtles body.Males tailFemales tail

A males foot is usually bigger and the nails are thicker, more curved, and more spread out. Females nails are usually thinner, straighter, and closer together.

Male Ornate box turtles will have a green head and orange arms.
However my Bubba has a very colorfull head.

If you are still having some trouble please do not hesitate to e mail me!


Yahoo! GeoCities