Pet Information > ASK Experts > Exotic Pets > Turtles > turtle sex organ sticking out

turtle sex organ sticking out

22 16:06:52

Question
I have a sulcata that is about 2 years old male.  Recently I saw that what looks like the penis outside its rear end.  It went back in after a while.  Today I saw that it was out again after it went to the bathroom and it had newspaper stuck to it possibly why it was just dragging on ground.  I dont know what it is but it worries me please help

Answer
Hi Norree,

Here's a link to a picture of a male sulcata's penis (warning:  graphic!):  http://africantortoise.com/images/showing_penis.jpg  It is VERY common for males to "flash" (show the penis) when mature.  Some flash on a seemingly constant basis, but usually the penis will retract naturally.  Sometimes the penis will become prolapsed, or unable to retract back into the body.  When this happens, the tortoise needs to see a vet because if not corrected, the tissue can eventually become necrotic.  Usually the vet will stitch the cloacal opening closed enough so the penis (hopefully) won't prolapse again, but sometimes this doesn't work and amputation is necessary (amputation won't affect the future health of the tortoise).  Your tortoise will probably be fine, but keep an eye on it to make sure the penis does go back in.  If it doesn't, you'll have to take him to the vet.

Your tortoise is a little young to be flashing, or you may have the age wrong (should be closer to four years old), so if what you're seeing isn't similar to the picture, please take him to the vet right away because something else is wrong.  

If you can tell me more about his enclosure and how you keep him, I can offer you advice on care.  Hope this helped!