The musk turtle can distinguish male and female after growing for 2-3 years. It is not easy for them to distinguish male turtles from female turtles when they are young, because their characteristics are not obvious. After 2-3 years of growth, their characteristics will appear. The tail of the male turtle is thicker than that of the female turtle. At the same time, the belly armor of the male turtle has a sunken part, but the female turtle does not. In addition, the reproductive holes of male turtles are square, while those of female turtles are oval.

During estrus, it is best not to mix male turtles with female turtles. Because the male turtle will chase the female turtle all the time during estrus, this may cause harm to the female turtle's health.

There will be some differences between male and female tortoises in character. Musk turtles are mild turtles, but they also lose their temper from time to time. At this time, musk glands in their bodies will spray a gas, which will do harm to other turtles. However, there will be some differences in the personality of female turtles and male turtles. The male turtle's character is mild, while the female turtle's character is grumpy. Therefore, when feeding, male turtles and female turtles can be kept in isolation. A glass plate can be placed in the turtle jar to separate them.