I have a western hermanns tortoises and i was wondering when and how you can tell there sex?

Question

I have had Leo (my tortoise) for about 7 months and i was wondering when they are sexualy active and how to tell if they are male or female?

Answer 1

Sexual maturity will hit at about 4-5 years old. The male will develop an incurved plastron (belly). There are other signs but this will become obvious and easy to use.

Try http://www.tortoisetrust.org for more on this species.

Answer 2

From the tidbits I've read - I've never kept one - around 8 yrs they should reach sexual maturity. It doesn't say how old these torts are, but here's a visual to help you decide if yours is truly a "Leo" or a "Leah"...:-)

http://www.chelonia.org/sexing/sexing_Testudo_hermanni.htm
http://www.hermann-tortoise.co.uk/care%20sheets/care_sheets.htm

The second link says sexing can be done best at 5-7 yrs. of age. You may have a long wait to find out before passing out the cigars...:-)

There is another way and it will be the most accurate way - but it means a tiny amount of blood. This can usually be done by clipping a toenail too short - but I don't think I could do it. There are several labs that offer this service.
http://zoogen.biz

They specialize in bird DNA sexing, but I know of several people who have used them for young iguanas.