Reproductive problems in tortoises

The reproductive system produces sperm and eggs. Even if your tortoise lives alone, the reproductive system is still active and can develop problems.

To determine whether a tortoise is male or female you will need to check the tail length. In general males have longer tails and the vent lies outside the shell. Male tortoises also develop a depression in the plastron (flat undershell) to enable them to mate with the female tortoise.

Young tortoises can be difficult to sex!

Male tortoises have two testicles which produce sperm that are inside the body near the kidneys. The male tortoise has one sex organ called the phallus (penis) which lies inside the vent and is only used for carrying sperm, it does not carry or pass urine.

The phallus is normally inside the vent and only comes out for mating. If the phallus gets stuck outside the body this is known as a prolapse. A prolapsed phallus can become damaged and infected.

If you think your tortoise has a prolapsed phallus he needs to visit the veterinary practice. If the phallus has suffered a lot of damage or has become infected he may need an operation to remove it. Try to keep your tortoise’s phallus submerged in lukewarm water on the way to the vets to avoid it getting dry.

Female tortoises have two ovaries which produce eggs; these are found inside the body near the kidneys. They also have two oviducts that are tubes along which the eggs are transported to the urodeum area of the vent.

Tortoises tend to lay several hard eggs at a time. If they successfully mate with a male tortoise the eggs will hatch approximately 70-100 days later. However, female tortoises can produce eggs without mating and sometimes this can lead to problems.

Follicular stasis is a condition which occurs when the eggs do not develop properly and are without a shell. These undeveloped eggs remain inside the body and can make an affected tortoise very ill. Follicular stasis can only be corrected by spaying, an operation to remove the ovaries and oviducts. This operation can only be performed under general anesthetic and means she can no longer reproduce, but this is the only treatment for follicular stasis.

Egg binding is more common in tortoises where the eggs have been made and are fully developed but they become stuck inside the body and cannot be laid. This can be treated medically by the veterinary surgeon but is sometimes not effective and the eggs need to be removed surgically under general anesthetic.

Your tortoise’s housing must be kept at the correct temperature; if it is too cold her body will struggle to make and lay eggs. Temperature is species dependant so ensure you research the optimum temperature for your species of tortoise.  Dehydration will also make it very difficult for your tortoise to lay eggs.  Ensure your tortoise always has clean drinking water available. Your tortoise may defecate in its own water so ensure to check the water bowl regularly throughout the day.

Producing eggs uses a large amount of energy. An adequate and balanced diet helps to prevent problems. A hide and deep substrate are needed  where she can bury her eggs. Calcium needs to be added more regularly to the food and it is important to check that there is adequate UV light. Researching the amounts of calcium for your particular species of tortoise is advised if she is reproducing to ensure she does not become unwell from inadequate levels.

If your tortoise develops any egg-related problems she will need to visit the veterinary practice. Egg bound tortoises need an operation to remove the retained eggs from the body.

Weekly weighing is a good indication to allow you to monitor if your tortoise has egg or follicle related problems.