Can female sulcata tortoises flash their parts or is it a prolapse?

When I see animals with rectal prolapses I am always suspicious that they may have intestinal parasites. I would recommend a fecal exam. I also get concerned that they may not be eating an appropriate diet or have enough water. This is a great resource for diet and husbandry recommendations: www.anapsid.org. There are many types of tortoises listed on the website. I hope this helps! Thanks for using Pet Coach.

The increased in urination and sort stool ay be due to an increase in fluid intake or eating succulent fruits and vegetables. The soft stool can also be due to intestinal parasites. Bladder stones are also possible and would cause straining to urinate which could in turn cause a prolapse of the penis. An exam with your veterinarian or a vet experienced in treating reptiles would be recommended. Bloodwork and xrays may provide a different. If indicated, your vet can provide supportive care (fluids, antibiotics, deworming, etc) if indicated. In the meantime, keep him warm. Consider increasing ambient temperature in his enclosure by several degrees. Soak him daily in a warm 50/50 solution of water and an unflavored electrolyte replacement fluid. Decrease the amount fruit being fed. Make sure he continues to eat though.

An adult sideneck female will lay clutches numbering 6 to over 40 eggs at a time. Clutch size will depend on age, size and overall health. They will retain eggs until a suitable nesting site is located. This can lead to becoming egg bound which can be life threatening. She does not need to mate in order to lay eggs. Ideally, she should be examined, and x-rayed, by your veterinarian or an experienced herp vet to confirm whether or not she is retaining eggs.

It's quite difficult as their shells are very similar. The male has a long thin tail with a slit like cloaca far up the tail. Whereas the female has a short fat tail with a star shaped cloaca close to the body. If in doubt you may need to go to a reptile vet.

Thanks for reaching out about Cobra. Females can form and lay eggs without a male, they're just non-fertile, similar to many chicken eggs. Monitor appetite and defecation. Females will often stop eating close to laying period. If concerned, a veterinary visit is needed to confirm she is gravid (with eggs). Good luck.

GENTLY press the soft areas near her rear legs, between the carapace and plastron. If she is gravid (pregnant), you should be able to feel a few eggs. Clutch size can range between 5 and 20 eggs. The best way is to determine if she is carrying eggs is to have her xrayed by your vet.

I cant see the vulva/vaginal area in this photo so I can't tell you whether or not it looks like there is a prolapse. Most often "scooting" can sometimes be a sign of anal gland irritation. Take her to your vet for an exam. An exam will be able to let you know for certain whether or not there is a prolapse of any kind. A rectal exam will allow your vet to determine if the anal glands might be bothering her, and they can express the anal glands if needed which may provide relief. Thank you for asking Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach!