in this random rambling thread we post random pictures

[theoldchick]

 

[theoldchick]

 

[drumstick diva]

Is that a fly mask for your horse? Parrot looks very pleased with his toy.

 

[drumstick diva]

Pasha, what is the little brown thing looking out your window

 

[azurbanclucker]

 

[drumstick diva]

How do you sex a tortoise or don't people attempt it?

 

[azurbanclucker]

How do you sex a tortoise or don't people attempt it?

You can do it with bloodwork at the vet, or you can look for certain things in specific species. For example, Mr. Tortie is a Sulcata Tortoise (AKA African Spur thigh), and it's very difficult to tell until they're about 3-5 years old what the sex is. Once they're big enough, you can tell the plastern (belly part of the shell) on a male is concave, so that they can more easily mount the females. Their tails are also longer, and they grow gular scutes, which are those "spikes" that jut out under his chin from his lower shell. Generally after they hit about 10 years old, Males are larger then females, but that's not always an accurate tell.

Other species have their own unique traits to ID males and females by, but in most cases it's still 3-5 years for them to develop enough to really be sure. Before that, a blood test is the 100% accurate way.

 

[drumstick diva]

Thank you, that is very interesting. They are harder to sex than Silkies - who knew
Now I'm wondering if they are okay with a blood test or draw all body parts inside. One more question do they vocalize at all?

I never had anything bigger than those tiny turtles Dime stores used to sell, which died fast because they had you feed nothing but dried flies from a bottle.

 

[azurbanclucker]

Thank you, that is very interesting. They are harder to sex than Silkies - who knew
Now I'm wondering if they are okay with a blood test or draw all body parts inside. One more question do they vocalize at all?

I never had anything bigger than those tiny turtles Dime stores used to sell, which died fast because they had you feed nothing but dried flies from a bottle.

Re: Blood test. No, they don't particularly like it at all. You have to fight them a bit to get a leg out and then get your sample. At least at a young age they're not as strong and it's not as hard, but it's still a pain. Plus, their hide is thick and will bend needles.

They do vocalize in a limited fashion. Males sing while they're... Well, having sexy time. It's hard to describe, Kinda a grunty-oinky-quack. Other than that, They'll hiss and sometimes whistle, but that's about all. Most of the time you can tell where they are not by the noise they make, but by the sound of them knocking things over, pushing past things, or otherwise interacting with the stuff in the yard.

 

[CapricornFarm]

Thank you, that is very interesting. They are harder to sex than Silkies - who knew
Now I'm wondering if they are okay with a blood test or draw all body parts inside. One more question do they vocalize at all?

I never had anything bigger than those tiny turtles Dime stores used to sell, which died fast because they had you feed nothing but dried flies from a bottle.

You can feed small fish and bits of hamburger or worms.