My Rescued Bells Hingedbacked Tortoise

[hodged02]

Hi all, Saw Phil on 26/05/08 for the first time, and loved the show, as did all the kids, got talking to him and said i would post some photos of my tortoise so here they are........

[reef]

Nice looking dude mate (the tort that is ) if u have any hints or tips post em on the hints tips forum
,Oh n welcome btw .

[Liz]

He is a great looking tortoise. How long have you had him for? I have never had a bells hingedbacked!

[hodged02]

I've had her for about 8 years now, and she was about 7ish when i got her, previous owner just fed her on lettuce and tomatos....... not good, her shell was quite week and she wont eat mealworm or slugs (for the protein) so have to lace her food with a high calcium/protein powder, she will now eat carrots, spring greens, cabbage(all types), cucumber, mushrooms, dandilions(loves the yellow flowers off these) she also loves bananas, grapes and strawberries, but these are not too good for her as high in sugar (and tomatos/bananas ar v.high in potassium, which is what resulted in the calcium deficiency she had). I have found that bells hingedbacked seem a lot more active and have more of a personality than other species of tortoise i have lookd after. Oh i forgot to say what her name is..... i think you will like it......TILLY.....just like your cam.
If you or Phil want to have a look and your in the horwich area, just give me a ring as Phil has my mob no.

[Liz]

It sounds as if you have done a lot of research and are taking care of Tilly really well. In what way does she have more personality? I am curious! Do you have any tips for folks on any particular requirements you have found for this kind of tortoise? We would love to hear more about Tilly. Please keep us updated. Where does your tortoise live? Hey thanks for the invite, we may just take you up on that one ^__^

[hodged02]

Personality wise is that she likes under her chin tickled, she stretches her neck out as far as poss for you, and if you stop she makes a squeaking noise, and if i forget to put her food in on time she tells me by head butting the door of her viv (which is in our living/dining room) non of theother tort breads i have looked after are like this.
When i first got her i thought that she was a sole vegie, but uppon doing plenty of reaserch bells hingbacked need plenty of protine and calcium via live food, you can give then Millipedes, snails, slugs, mealworms, small partially cooked fish, beetles, earthworms, crickets and other insects may be eaten, fruit and veg they can eat is: lettuce, cabbage(any kind), spinach, caulifower, broccoli, beans& carrots. Try also clover, dandelion (even the yellow flower), plantain, cress, carrot tops, mushrooms, banana, melon, tomato, cucumber, peach, grapes and other soft fruits. or another alternative is a calcium/protine powder on the veg, also don't over do it with the bananas/tomato's as they are very high in potassium which cancels out any calcium, most torts like a nice dry atmosphire but bells are a type that do like a bit of moisture (about 50-65% humidity) and they also like to soak in a water bath
As a tropical tort the bells hingeback should be kept in a viv at a temperature above 85 degrees Fahrenheit (29.4 degrees Celsius) for most of the time. Provide a basking light and a shady area with some plants and a shelter, as well as access to a large tray or bowl with clean water for drinking and soaking. In Britain the animal can only be put outside during hot summer days.
**Note: this tort does NOT hibernate**
if you want to breed this type of tort, the mating season accours during the wet season (November to February) and the main egg laying season also occurs during this period. Clutches of 1 to 3 eggs are laid and hatch under humid conditions. The young show no trace of the hinge.
For more detailed info go to http://www.chelonia.org/Articles/Kinixysscare.htm
Just let me know if you want to have a look and the kettle will be on!!! Lol