Hinge-back tortoises originally come from the African rainforests, particularly the Ivory Coast, Congo and Nigeria. There are a number of species of hinge-backs, but the Bell’s Hinge-back is the usual pet. An adult hinge-back’s size is up to 9 inches in diameter and weight is about 4 1/2 lbs. When purchasing a hinge-back, check the […]
Tortoises
Tortoises or land turtles are land-dwelling reptiles of the family of Testudinidae, order Testudines. Like their marine cousins, the sea turtles, tortoises are shielded from predators by a shell. The top part of the shell is the carapace, the underside is the plastron, and the two are connected by the bridge. The tortoise has both an endoskeleton and an exoskeleton. Tortoises can vary in size from a few centimeters to two meters. Tortoises tend to be diurnal animals with tendencies to be crepuscular depending on the ambient temperatures. They are generally reclusive animals.
Tortoise Breeds:
Russian Tortoise
Russian tortoises are great pets for those with limited space as their adult size is 8-10 inches. They are active, alert and can withstand temperature extremes when living outdoors. Most Russian tortoises are imported to the U.S. as young adults, having been caught in the wild. The lifespan of a Russian tortoise is 40 years […]
Hermann’s Tortoise
Hermann’s Tortoise, testudo hermanni, comes from Southern Europe and is sometimes called a Mediterranean tortoise. They are relatively small, at about 6-8 inches with a life span of up to at least 75 years. Should you choose one as a pet there are some things to consider for its care. They are quite active and […]
Greek Tortoise
The Greek Tortoise habitats include Southern Spain, Northern Africa, Eastern Europe and the Middle East. They can be found from dunes at the seashore to mountain steppes, usually in hot, arid climates. They will dig burrows when summer temperatures are too hot or in winter, too cold. These Tortoises are shy critters, but once they […]
Sulcata Tortoise
What is the Sulcata Tortoise like? The Sulcata Tortoise is native to Africa but has become a popular pet in North America. Adults are 2-2 1/2 feet long and can weigh 100-200 lbs. Since they grow so large, you might consider keeping them outdoors. How do I care for and feed the Sulcata Tortoise? They […]