We have recently acquired two tortoises who we believed were sisters having been together since they were born (approx. aged 10)
They have had one previous owner and for some years were considered to be males. However, we were told when we got them a month ago they were both female.
We took them to our local vet (a Reptile specialist) who seemed to think they were female and weighed them and gave them a clean bill of health
However, this evening there have been antics when we took them out their tortoise table... (too cold to go outside in their enclosure we allowed them to exlore a space in the lounge)!!
Myrtle did nothing but chase Shelley around the lounge (moving over the keyboard and changing the Playlist to accompany the antics!) We observed closely...
Is this just female dominance? They are sexually mature at 10... But then I think I read somewhere that only males get aroused and mount...Their carapaces (shells) are very different...
We did wonder why Mrytle (suspected male) was SO tired and sleepy compared to Shelley (who is always on the go...)
Can anybody shed some light as to their sexes and what they're doing...
What we need to do?
Many thanks
Jen and Eddie (on behalf of MnS - Myrtle and Shelley)
P.s We've checked the photographs in a book I have (Myrtle looks to have the boy bits but the tummy isn't as curved... would he struggle therefore to mount and seal the deal...)
We will try and upload pictures when we get a minute...
They have had one previous owner and for some years were considered to be males. However, we were told when we got them a month ago they were both female.
We took them to our local vet (a Reptile specialist) who seemed to think they were female and weighed them and gave them a clean bill of health
However, this evening there have been antics when we took them out their tortoise table... (too cold to go outside in their enclosure we allowed them to exlore a space in the lounge)!!
Myrtle did nothing but chase Shelley around the lounge (moving over the keyboard and changing the Playlist to accompany the antics!) We observed closely...
Is this just female dominance? They are sexually mature at 10... But then I think I read somewhere that only males get aroused and mount...Their carapaces (shells) are very different...
We did wonder why Mrytle (suspected male) was SO tired and sleepy compared to Shelley (who is always on the go...)
Can anybody shed some light as to their sexes and what they're doing...
What we need to do?
Many thanks
Jen and Eddie (on behalf of MnS - Myrtle and Shelley)
P.s We've checked the photographs in a book I have (Myrtle looks to have the boy bits but the tummy isn't as curved... would he struggle therefore to mount and seal the deal...)
We will try and upload pictures when we get a minute...
