Look what my male Bell's did

[Jacqui]

I while back, I got in this male Bells Hingeback. I wasn't too concerned about him, because at the time I had no breeding use for him. I was more concerned with getting him settled in and eating, plus over quarantine. Then I gave my other spare male to another keeper with a couple of females and no males (that male is busy being Mr Studly ). Now that I had decided my original male from years ago may be sterile, I decided I needed to rethink who is living with whom.

However, before I could get serious about it, this happened...

! Yep this male is really a female. I guess "he" never laid eggs in the 12 plus year his last owner had him. I am happy he is a she, but now it leaves me with just the one male. Okay, so now I kinda have egg all over my face...

 

[dmmj]

don't worry I am sure the "one" male won't be complaining much

 

[Madkins007]

Gee, and I thought sexing tortoises was a perfectly understood science!

 

[Jacqui]

Gee, and I thought sexing tortoises was a perfectly understood science!

I have always gone with the theory that it's not a male til it flashes or a female til it lays eggs. She does actually have a bit of an indentation, so a quick glance would make you think male. I just never did check the tail out.

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don't worry I am sure the "one" male won't be complaining much

DingDong would no doubt be happy with three females all his own, but I would like to see some fertile eggs coming out of it. So far, the eggs don't seem fertile.

 

[Laura]

the same thing happened with my cockatoo.. HE layed an egg!

 

[Kristina]

HA! I had that happen last year with my second "male" Home's. When I got the original three, I was told they were a reverse trio and just took it at face value and never really double checked. I completely understand your surprise!