Pet Information > ASK Experts > Exotic Pets > Turtles > red eared slide turtles

red eared slide turtles

22 16:01:25

Question
i have 2 baby red eared turtles and i dont know if their male and female but i tried to look at the bottom of the shell but really cant tell can u give me some advice

Answer
Turtles can't be sexed when they're immature, so you probably have a few years before you know for sure--all hatchling/juveniles look female.  Maturity goes by size, not age, so when they're about 4-5" you should be able to tell.  Males will develop long front claws and have a longer tail, whereas females have a short, stubby tail (and grow bigger than males).  Here's a link that will give you more information:  http://www.redearslider.com/determining_sex.html