Sex?

[bigdave]

How can you tell the difference between male and female red ear sliders, when young and adult?

[wetlander]

Males tend to have long nails on their front feet. Also when you compare the plastron in adults, the notch at the vent is usually larger on the female to allow eggs to be laid.

The differences are similar to those of painted turtles

[kpugh]

The male's tails are also considerably longer and thicker - to house the boy bits!:)

Are you trying to set up a breeding pair or something? Or just trying to sex a new pet?

[bigdave]

I'm triing to set up a breeding pair for my cousin, he love turtles
Sometimes I make fun of him and call him a Teenage-Mutant-Ninja-Turtle...LOL

[kpugh]

Are you really trying to breed them? There is a serious problem with overpopulation of RES, and breeding them is just not a good idea. If he wants turltes, look up an adoption service in your area and give a couple abandoned or unwanted turts a good home instead of adding to the problem. Sorry - I know it's not my place to tell you what to do, but breeding more RES is just not a good plan...:(

[bigdave]

that sound great I'll give it a shot, thanks kpugh..Hmmmm turtles

[ATBlover]

hmm kpugh is right...there are way too many RES and you breeding may not look like a big change to the population but in the long run it will.....also these people on this site are very knowledgable about reptiles and hes just trying to do whats best for you and the turtles...Connor

[ATBlover]

hmm i was reading over what you say for a second time and i noticed that you might have been talking about adopting...if thats the case sry but if its not then...you saw what i said...Connor

[Diverdude1234]

i completely agree with adoping turtles instead of breeding them (i own 4, 3 of wich i adopted). There are many difficulties with breeding RES too. Most RES in the pet industry are female, because the eggs are tep sexed and the higer temp (therefore faster incubation) leads to females. Most turtle ranches tend to try and pump as my turtles out as fast as possible so they have female turtles more often. If you are looking for RES I would recomend the Ontario turtle and tortise society. I got my albino RES slider from them and they seem to keep there animals in optimal conditions untill they are adopted out.
Cheers!

P.S I dont breed my turtles even though I have a pairs

[kpugh]

Originally posted by ATBlover
and hes just trying to do whats best for you and the turtles

Thanks for backing me up on that one guys...just one teeny point - I'm a she! Not that there's any way you should have known that, just thought I'd point it out! :D :cool: