Reptile & Amphibian Forums

Is the method of sexing redfoots mentioned in the dec. 1996 reptile article accurate? He describes the shape of the posterior plastral notch as being sexually dimorphic - males more abrupt and straight sided, females being rounded? If you've used it, at what age do you find it's visible?

Thanks!
Alex

Hey Alex,

I've raised them from hatchlings to 11.5" adults. The "size" they show is usually at OVER 6".. and the anal scute seems to be the first way to tell.

This anal scute "method" has raised Q's amongst those more "educated".. however it works well for some species at an even smaller size as well. The tail "dimensions" will not always prove true. Nor will the "anal scute" method.. which I prefer and have documented.

The inserted are 10"x11.5".. male on left..

Terry

Thanks! Mine is still clearly too young then... has quite a defined notch in the anal scutes but the whole scale isn't so strongly angled as in yours. We think they were incubated high enough to be female, but aren't sure how long they were in their nest outside before being dug up, so it's possible gender was already determined as they seemed to hatch really soon.
Do you find diet (i.e. lots of carotenes) makes any difference in the amount of red?