What type of tortoise is this?

[Laldra]

This tortoise came into the shelter as a hinge backed, but it isn't. I have no idea what it is.

 

[tortoiseguy65]

Yes it is a hingeback tortoise. More specifically, a male Kinixys belliana nogueyi. Where are you located? Any specifics from the previous owner? Please let me know as I am interested.

 

[spikethebest]

Thanks for sharing. Where is the shelter located? Do you have other tortoises up for adoption?

 

[Laldra]

We don't have any tortoises for adoption now. This one will not be up for adoption for awhile and may be transfered to a reptile rescue. He is not in the best of health, because his owner has been feeding him only iceberg lettuce.

 

[Yvonne G]

I think Laldra is in Iowa.


Hi Laldra:

Welcome to the forum!!

 

[tortoiseguy65]

I sent up a PM about this guy.

We don't have any tortoises for adoption now. This one will not be up for adoption for awhile and may be transfered to a reptile rescue. He is not in the best of health, because his owner has been feeding him only iceberg lettuce.

 

[Itort]

I think Laldra is in Iowa.


Hi Laldra:

Welcome to the forum!!

Yes, Des Moines area.

 

[egyptiandan]

How many claws are on the front legs? That will tell for sure what subspecies of Bell's hingeback it is.

Danny

 

[tortoiseguy65]

Danny,
It looked like four to me. That was why I suggested it was Kinixys belliana nogueyi. Regardless of which subspecies it is, that guy needs to get into a breeding program to pass along his genes. Any thoughts?

 

[egyptiandan]

Yes he does and yes he does look like he has 4 claws (but always good to get confirmation from the source )
Sad to say though, most rescues don't like people breeding tortoises that are rehomed

Danny

 

[tortoiseguy65]

Yes, that is what I was told when I inquired about him. Perhaps we can change their mind when they realize how important he is to the survival of his species.

Yes he does and yes he does look like he has 4 claws (but always good to get confirmation from the source )
Sad to say though, most rescues don't like people breeding tortoises that are rehomed

Danny

 

[Jacqui]

I would love to take him in and if the shelter doesn't wish for him to go into a breeding program (even tho I really think he should be in one), then I would have no problem with sticking with their wishes. My main concern is just to get him into a home that understands Hingebacks.

 

[Laldra]

I will tell everyone when it is up for adoption. You can all fight with the adoption counslers about the breeding clause.

 

[Itort]

I would encourage the rescue to source us if there are any questions as hingebacks have some particular needs and we have a group here that has some experience with these guys.

 

[Laldra]

I've printed off the care sheet from tortoise trust. Is there anything else important? He is already better off then he has been for the last 10 years.

 

[Laldra]

The hidgeback is being transfered from the Animal Rescue League of Iowa to Iowa Reptile Rescue. You will need to contact them for more info www.iowareptilerescue.com.