West African hinge-back tortoise (Kinixys nogueyi)

Short answers

West African hinge-back tortoise: How big does the enclosure need to be?

From 160×80 cm floor space for one animal; for a pair from 185×80 cm (15 % more floor space per additional animal, as in the 1997 expert report).

West African hinge-back tortoise: What temperature does it need?

Daytime 25–31 °C, basking spot 35 °C, at night 19–23 °C.

West African hinge-back tortoise: Does it need UVB lighting?

UVB: Essential (UVB 6–10 %).

West African hinge-back tortoise: How long do they live?

Life expectancy: 40–60 years.

West African hinge-back tortoise: Is it suitable for beginners?

Rather not – it is considered an intermediate species (difficulty: Intermediate).

Climate

Daytime temperature

25–31 °C

Night temperature

19–23 °C

Basking spot

35 °C

Humidity

60–75 %

UVB

Essential (UVB 6–10 %)

Enclosure

Minimum size

from 160×80 cm floor space for one animal; for a pair from 185×80 cm (15 % more floor space per additional animal, as in the 1997 expert report)

Substrate

Coco humus soil with leaf litter, damp hiding places

Feeding

Food

Greens, windfall fruit, fungi, a little animal protein

Feeding interval

3–4×/week

Key facts

Adult size

20–25 cm

Life expectancy

40–60 years

Origin

West Africa – savannah and dry forest

Protection status

CITES II

Brumation

A dry spell of 6–8 weeks

Cohabitation

Solitary housing is the simplest option. A 1,2 trio (one male, two females) is also possible, with the option to separate the male temporarily during constant courtship - two males otherwise harass each other and the females.

Notes

Long treated as a subspecies of K. belliana. To be kept more humid than Mediterranean tortoises, and with a mixed rather than a purely plant diet. A movable hinge in the carapace.

Do you keep this species?

Add your animal to Reptoria – Reptoria reminds you about feeding and shedding. Add your animal for free →

Look for West African hinge-back tortoise (Kinixys nogueyi) in the marketplace →

Related species

• Bell's hinge-back tortoise (Kinixys belliana) – Intermediate
• Home's hinge-back tortoise (Kinixys homeana) – Expert
• Natal hinge-back tortoise (Kinixys natalensis) – Intermediate
• Speke's hinge-back tortoise (Kinixys spekii) – Intermediate
• Serrated hinge-back tortoise (Kinixys erosa) – Expert
• Ploughshare tortoise (Astrochelys yniphora) – Expert
• Speckled padloper (Homopus areolatus) – Expert
• Serrated tent tortoise (Psammobates oculifer) – Expert

All species in the care wiki →

What you need to start

To keep West African hinge-back tortoise (Kinixys nogueyi) you typically need: a suitable enclosure (from 160×80 cm floor space for one animal; for a pair from 185×80 cm (15 % more floor space per additional animal, as in the 1997 expert report)), substrate (Coco humus soil with leaf litter, damp hiding places), a heat source with a thermostat, UVB lighting, thermometer and hygrometer, a water dish and hides. You will find equipment in the Reptoria marketplace.