male or female?

[animallover77]

I was wondering if anyone knows if Eastern Box Turtles have male or female characteristics from birth or if they develop over time? I have a one month old hatchling and am wondering if she really is a she. She has dark eyes, a flat plastron, and a thin tail. Anyone know?

[wizzasmum]

Hi again
She is still far too young to say for sure. Sometimes a tortoise or turtle shows all the characteristics of a certain sex (usually female)but then suddenly shows that it is the opposite sex after all! I have four horsfield tortoises which for all the world looked to be 2 males and 2 females. One has been an obvious male for over a year now as he has shown while having a soak in the bowl. Another which I was fairly certain was a female and which the male has pursued for some time, has suddenly shown very clearly all the characteristics of a boy! These are around 6 years old and I am still not sure what the other 2 are. I recently read a post from someone selling 6 month old female leopard tortoises. When I asked how he knew he said it was obvious by the tail length - this is not the case at all and would probably have ended in a few disappointed customers especially if they bought several and ended up with fighting males.
Take care