Is my "male" tortoise a female?

[Tortalini]

I have a red foot that was sold to me as a male. I was looked at the difference between the males and the females and a lot of people said that the males has larger tales than the females. The pictures I saw of the females looked a lot like my tortoise's. I'm lost. Is it a male or a female?
See attached picture.

 

[Toddrickfl1]

How old is your tortoise? Looks too young to sex. They have to be at least 6" and about 3-5 years old before you can tell.

 

[Tortalini]

He's just about three years old. Is there some place I can get him genetically tested?

 

[Yvonne G]

I don't think your tortoise is big enough yet to sex.

 

[wellington]

It is looking female but I agree, not big enough.
You can take it to a vet and have it surgically sexed but its very expensive and I would do it.

 

[Tortalini]

Ok thx. I can't wait to find out!

 

[TammyJ]

Why can't you wait? The vet visit and procedure will be stressful for the tortoise if it's really not necessary...surely?

 

[ZEROPILOT]

They all look female for a while.

 

[Tortalini]

Oh no I'm sorry, I can't wait till its old enough to tell. I'm not going to be taking him to the vet.

 

[TammyJ]

They all look female for a while.

Hmmm. OK. Mine are three years and eight months old and they both look female - so that's the norm?

 

[ZEROPILOT]

Hmmm. OK. Mine are three years and eight months old and they both look female - so that's the norm?

Yes.
Although at that age a males tail and shell shape should be developing.