Reptile · Tortoise
Bell's hingeback tortoise care guide
Kinixys belliana
The bell's hingeback tortoise is a intermediate-level tortoise from Sub-Saharan Africa (savanna). Adults reach 18–22 cm shell and live 30+ years in captivity. Hinged rear shell closes for protection. Provide hides and humidity.
- Enclosure 150 × 75 × 45 cm
- Temp Basking 30–32°C, ambient 24–28°C
- Humidity 60–80%
How much does a bell's hingeback tortoise cost in Canada?
Bell's hingeback tortoise quick facts
- Skill level
- Intermediate
- Adult size
- 18–22 cm shell
- Lifespan
- 30+ years
- Activity
- Diurnal
- Native range
- Sub-Saharan Africa (savanna)
- Minimum enclosure
- 150 × 75 × 45 cm (59 × 30 × 18 in, ≈ 134 US gal)
- Housing
- Best kept alone.
- Temperature
- Basking 30–32°C, ambient 24–28°C
- Humidity
- 60–80%
- UVB
- Recommended
- Diet
- Omnivore – leafy greens, fruit, mushrooms, snails, earthworms
- Bioactive style
- Humid terrestrial
Bell's hingeback tortoise enclosure & bioactive setup
Give one adult at least 150 × 75 × 45 cm (59 × 30 × 18 inches). Best kept alone. This species suits a humid terrestrial bioactive build.
- Leaf litter2 cm
- Jurassic ABG Terrarium Mix15 cm
- Drainage – clay bio balls3 cm
Deep, moist soil is what holds humidity in this build – much better than thin bedding, especially through Canadian winters.
Temperature: Basking 30–32°C, ambient 24–28°C. Humidity: 60–80%. UVB: Recommended.
What does a bell's hingeback tortoise eat?
Omnivore – leafy greens, fruit, mushrooms, snails, earthworms. Feed greens daily with some fruit and protein 1–2 times a week.
Handling, temperament & health
Shy but settles; tolerates gentle handling.
Health watch: Parasites and dehydration in imports, plus respiratory infections in cold housing.
Cleaning & maintenance schedule
Daily
- Check warm and cool side temperatures and humidity.
- Refresh the water bowl.
Weekly
- Mist or pour water into the substrate to keep the lower layers moist.
- Spot-clean large waste promptly.
Monthly
- Top up leaf litter.
- Stir and fluff compacted topsoil around hides.
- Check heat sources and thermostat calibration.
Yearly
- Partially refresh soil in high-traffic areas.
- Replace UVB bulbs (if used).
Recommended for a bell's hingeback tortoise bioactive
Quantities are for one minimum-size enclosure (150 × 75 × 45 cm).
Clay Bio Balls
Drainage layer, 3 cm
Jurassic ABG Terrarium Mix
Bioactive soil layer, 15 cm
Cypress Substrate
Optional top layer (cypress)
Red Oak Leaves 15/Pack
Leaf litter – food and cover for the clean-up crew
Fresh Sphagnum Moss Container
Moss for humidity pockets and planting
Cork Bark Tubes
Secure hides at both ends of the gradient
Malaysian Drift Wood
Sturdy enrichment for heavy-bodied animals
Bell's hingeback tortoise FAQ
Is the bell's hingeback tortoise good for beginners?
The bell's hingeback tortoise is best for keepers with some experience (intermediate). Shy but settles; tolerates gentle handling.
What size enclosure does a bell's hingeback tortoise need?
At least 150 × 75 × 45 cm (about 59 × 30 × 18 inches, roughly 134 US gallons) for one adult. Best kept alone.
How much does a bell's hingeback tortoise cost in Canada?
Typically $250–600 CAD to buy, about $1260–2120 CAD for a complete bioactive enclosure, and $350–600 CAD a year to keep.
What temperature and humidity does a bell's hingeback tortoise need?
Temperature: Basking 30–32°C, ambient 24–28°C. Humidity: 60–80%.
What does a bell's hingeback tortoise eat?
Omnivore – leafy greens, fruit, mushrooms, snails, earthworms. Feed greens daily with some fruit and protein 1–2 times a week.
Similar species
This care sheet is general guidance from One Bioactive, not veterinary advice. Needs vary with age, locality and individual animals – confirm with your breeder and an exotics vet. Prices are typical Canadian ranges in CAD and change over time.