Reptile & Amphibian Forums

Hi All,

I am considering purchasing a Hingeback tortoise from my local pet store. I am unsure of the species name though. It is basically just tan in color.

I was wondering if they make good pets? I currently keep Redfoots and Leopards, but I would like to experience another species also.

Also, they have it on sale for $50.00. Is that a good price?

Thank you in advanced for you opinions and help.
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Kelly Wood

1.1 Cherry Head Redfoots

1.2 Brazillian Redfoots

0.0.4 Leopard tortoises

1.1 Sandfire Bearded Dragons

0.2 Dogs

1.3 Parakeets

Kelly,

Save yourself the entry fee and don't go down this path. Forest Hingeback's are the #1 worst tortoise to keep unless you have big $$$ for vet bills (they come loaded with every parasite you can imagine) and the set-up they require. These are torts that come from a deep forest environment (read, very low light) with a constant 80-90 degrees and 90-100% humidity. Their diet is also very unique in that it constitutes minnows, sow and pill bugs, and lots of fruit. They also spend a lot of time in water and god forbid you get two males - they make Russian male fights look like little children in comparison.

Since very few keepers have the money, patience, ability to mimic the set-up mentioned above, and availablity of diet needs these are the last tort you'd want to try to maintain.

If you have a cying need for a forest tort go with a Yellowfoot.

Ernie

Hi Ernie,

Opps! I guess I read the message to late because I already went and got him. I hate "spur of the moment" type things.

He seems healthy and all. Has a good appetite, clear nose and eyes and is very heavy when picked up and also has nice firm poopies. I will still have a fecal done and the necessary wormings of course.

But, I do see one problem. His skin seems to be flaking and peeling off and the skin underneath is a little reddish.

Do tortoise's get skin fungus? And if so, how is it treated?

Anyways, thanks again Ernie for the info and concern. I have done some research on them and I think I can give them the diet and environment they need. I guess time will tell.
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Kelly Wood

1.1 Cherry Head Redfoots

1.2 Brazillian Redfoots

0.0.4 Leopard tortoises

1.1 Sandfire Bearded Dragons

0.2 Dogs

1.3 Parakeets

Skin problems in forrest species from bad situations usually clear up when you improve the husbandry, although a vet can make a determination as to any problems.

Katrina

>>Skin problems in forrest species from bad situations usually clear up when you improve the husbandry, although a vet can make a determination as to any problems.
>>
>>Katrina

Hi Katrina,

I would not doubt if her skin problem has to do with the situation she was in. She was stuck in a 10 gal tank, dry sand as substrate, with no water bowl. Poor thing. When I brought her home and soaked her she drank for 10 mins straight.

The pet store I aquired her from had already killed 3 other torts, so I was not about to let this one have the same ill fate. I will do all I can to keep her healthy and I will make a vet appoint. as soon as possible to see what might be wrong with her skin.

Thank you again
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Kelly Wood

1.1 Cherry Head Redfoots

1.2 Brazillian Redfoots

0.0.4 Leopard tortoises

1.1 Sandfire Bearded Dragons

0.2 Dogs

1.3 Parakeets

Kelly,

Now that you've tempted fate (and your bank account) Paula Morris on the World Chelonian Trust Yahoo board is your best resource for Kinixys info. She has had very good success with them, including breeding.

Ernie

I've had breeding success with two species of Kinixys and definitely consider them a species for the more advanced keeper. But it sounds like you're willing to do your homework (and fecals) so you have a good start. Good luck and stay tuned to this forum!
D

Hi D,

I always do my homework, that is for sure. I have no problems with taking on different challenges.

I am very aware that Hingebacks are very prone to parasites and worms, so that will be the very fist thing I tackle.

Right now what I am trying to figure out is what species it might be. She looks to be either a Bells or Speki, but even others are having a hard time figuring it out.

I wish I knew how to post photos on here, but if you would like to take a look at her and give me your thoughts, that would be great. You can email me at kelly.wood@frontiernet.net if you would like.

Thank you.
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Kelly Wood

1.1 Cherry Head Redfoots

1.2 Brazillian Redfoots

0.0.4 Leopard tortoises

1.1 Sandfire Bearded Dragons

0.2 Dogs

1.3 Parakeets

Thanks Ernie,

I will try to find that yahoo board and get some good info. LOL

I did join a Hingback group also. I have figured out that it is a female, but we are still trying to figure out what species it might be. I will have to ask Paula.

Thanks again for your help.

>>Now that you've tempted fate (and your bank account) Paula Morris on the World Chelonian Trust Yahoo board is your best resource for Kinixys info. She has had very good success with them, including breeding.
>>
>>Ernie
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Kelly Wood

1.1 Cherry Head Redfoots

1.2 Brazillian Redfoots

0.0.4 Leopard tortoises

1.1 Sandfire Bearded Dragons

0.2 Dogs

1.3 Parakeets

Kelly,

If you have a Specks or Bell's you have the much easier of the Hingeback's to keep. I have seen a few people offer Speck's, but the Bell's haven't been imported into this country in quite a few years due to a tick they carry that can effect cattle. Bell's are a very hardy, personable tort that thrives in an environment similar to Redfoot's.

Here's a link that may help you identify:

http://www.geocities.com/hiramtom/belliana.html

Good Luck!

Ernie

Isn't a Specks a subspecies of Bell's?

Katrina

>>Isn't a Specks a subspecies of Bell's?
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Kelly Wood

1.1 Cherry Head Redfoots

1.2 Brazillian Redfoots

0.0.4 Leopard tortoises

1.1 Sandfire Bearded Dragons

0.2 Dogs

1.3 Parakeets

Let me try this again. I really have no idea Katrina. Paula would be the one to ask about that.

HTH
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Kelly Wood

1.1 Cherry Head Redfoots

1.2 Brazillian Redfoots

0.0.4 Leopard tortoises

1.1 Sandfire Bearded Dragons

0.2 Dogs

1.3 Parakeets

Spek's hingeback is now considered a full species which is not covered in the ban on hingebacks. That is why you now see them available. These are more grassland type tortoises.
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Ed
Tortoise_Keepers-subscribe@yahoogroups.com
Trying to keep the fun in Chelonian care

Isn't it interesting that it's now considered a new species AFTER an importation ban went into affect?

Katrina

Ah, good one! That really makes you think hmmm.....

>>Isn't it interesting that it's now considered a new species AFTER an importation ban went into affect?
>>
>>Katrina
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Kelly Wood

1.1 Cherry Head Redfoots

1.2 Brazillian Redfoots

0.0.4 Leopard tortoises

1.1 Sandfire Bearded Dragons

0.2 Dogs

1.3 Parakeets

I agree with Ernie in that homeanas can be challenging, and they're certainly difficult to start, but not all individuals turn into disasters. I keep a couple on moist Bed-A-Beast. Coupled with a partial cover on the 2x2x5' tank (to be moved soon to a larger enclosure), this keeps the humidity high. The Bed-A-Beast packs down quickly, and I feed on paper plates, so there's very little food contamination. Room temp is 76-82, which seems to suit them. Lighting is just low room light. The feed readily on Mazuri and mixed veggies, except that they completely reject the green ones. They also reject fruit, mealworms, crickets, earthworms, several kinds of berries, split mice, green leafy stuff. I'm not happy with this diet and I'm working on it, but for now they seem to be in excellent health. No medical problems in the year and a half I've had them. Still shy, but during the last couple of months I've been able to watch them feeding, and in the daytime at that. Good luck!