Reptile · Tortoise
Home's hingeback tortoise care guide
Kinixys homeana
The home's hingeback tortoise is a advanced-level tortoise from West and Central Africa rainforest. Adults reach 18–22 cm shell and live 30+ years in captivity. Needs high humidity, deep leaf litter and a soaking dish; dislikes bright open setups.
- Enclosure 150 × 75 × 45 cm
- Temp 24–29°C, basking 30°C
- Humidity 70–90%
How much does a home's hingeback tortoise cost in Canada?
Home's hingeback tortoise quick facts
- Skill level
- Advanced
- Adult size
- 18–22 cm shell
- Lifespan
- 30+ years
- Activity
- Crepuscular
- Native range
- West and Central Africa rainforest
- Minimum enclosure
- 150 × 75 × 45 cm (59 × 30 × 18 in, ≈ 134 US gal)
- Housing
- Best kept alone.
- Temperature
- 24–29°C, basking 30°C
- Humidity
- 70–90%
- UVB
- Recommended
- Diet
- Omnivore – leafy greens, fruit, mushrooms, snails, earthworms
- Bioactive style
- Humid terrestrial
Home'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: 24–29°C, basking 30°C. Humidity: 70–90%. UVB: Recommended.
What does a home's hingeback tortoise eat?
Omnivore – leafy greens, fruit, mushrooms, snails, earthworms. Feed greens and fruit with a protein item 2–3 times a week.
Handling, temperament & health
Shy; hides a lot and dislikes handling.
Health watch: Wild-caught imports often carry parasites and are dehydrated; prefer captive-bred.
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 home'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
Home's hingeback tortoise FAQ
Is the home's hingeback tortoise good for beginners?
The home's hingeback tortoise is an advanced species – best for experienced keepers. Shy; hides a lot and dislikes handling.
What size enclosure does a home'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 home's hingeback tortoise cost in Canada?
Typically $300–700 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 home's hingeback tortoise need?
Temperature: 24–29°C, basking 30°C. Humidity: 70–90%.
What does a home's hingeback tortoise eat?
Omnivore – leafy greens, fruit, mushrooms, snails, earthworms. Feed greens and fruit with a protein item 2–3 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.