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How big do Hingeback Tortoises Get?
5.5-11.5 inches
Home’s hinge-back tortoises range from 5.5-11.5 inches (15-30 centimeters) long. They typically weigh 1.7-2.4 pounds (800-1,100 grams). Females grow larger than males, but males have longer, thicker tails.
What do Hingeback turtles eat?
Bell’s hinge-back tortoise is an omnivore, with a very varied diet consisting mainly of a range of different plants, but also including insects and other meat. It feeds on vegetables, twigs, roots, leaves, fruits, earthworms, snails, tadpoles and other small invertebrates.
How do you take care of a Hingeback tortoise?
Fresh water should be provided at all times in a shallow bowl that is large enough for the tortoise to fit its entire length. Hingebacks often drink large amounts of water. Once the tortoise is accepting one or two food items regularly, it should be gradually converted to a more balanced diet.
Do Hingeback Tortoises hibernate?
The animals do not hibernate. In their native country these tortoises will eastivate during the dry part of the summer. Imitation of their natural habitat is not recommended.
Why is it called hinge back tortoise?
The name “hingeback tortoise” comes from this animal’s unique, 90-degree moveable “hinge” located at the rear of its shell, which allows it to cover up its rear legs and tail when threatened.
What do Speke’s Hingeback tortoises eat?
They do well on dark, leafy greens, such as mustard and collard greens and kale. They also enjoy fruit or melon once per week. Offer fresh greens three times a week. In the wild, they have been found eating slugs, small rodents and carrion.
What age should a tortoise hibernate?
Usually you do not hibernate your tortoise until they are 2 or 3 years old, or at least hibernate them for a shorter amount of time. There are two things you must consider before going through hibernation, your tortoise’s weight and its health. If they are showing any sign of illness or injury they must not hibernate.
Can I leave my tortoise alone for a week?
“I would never leave a tortoise on its own for four to five days. I would be petrified that it would somehow flip over and there’d be no-one there to turn it over – in four or five days time you would come home to a very dead tortoise! There is also a potential fire hazard here as with anything electrical.
Can a tortoise freeze to death?
Tortoises can freeze to death. A tortoise is a cold-blooded animal and in the wild, they tend to hibernate through winter to avoid extreme cold. If the temperature drops too low for too long, whether or not the tortoise is in hibernation, she can freeze to death.
Do you worm a tortoise?
Tropical tortoises need only be wormed 2-4 times a year, whereas with hibernating species, it is advisable to worm before hibernation and again upon waking from a long hibernation period for safe recovery. For maximum protection, use every three months, the same as you would treat a cat or dog.
Can I put my tortoise in the fridge?
The fridge method – can you put a tortoise in the fridge? Yes you can, although you should not use the same fridge to keep your food in. It’s a good idea to keep a separate fridge for your tortoise.
What kind of tortoise is a hinge back tortoise?
Hingeback tortoise for sale information: Home’s hinge-back tortoise belongs to a unique group of tortoises that can close themselves entirely within their shells.
What is the difference between a male and female African spur thighed tortoise?
African spur thighed tortoise males are much larger than females. Adult male Sulcata tortoises have the deep concavity in the rear of their plastron. Also, male Sulcatas have longer, thinner tails.
Are African Sulcata tortoises boring to own?
Active tortoises, an African Sulcata tortoise is not boring to own that is for sure. Keep in mind we are talking activity when compared to tortoises, which are a slower moving animal. As with any new pet, it is highly recommended that you take your new tortoise to a vet with exotics experience for a health check-up.
How big does a 15 year old sulcata tortoise get?
A very large tortoise of 24-30 inches, the Sulcata is the 3rd largest species of tortoise. Expect your tortoise to grow to at least 18″ and 50 pounds by age 15.