Tartaruga de Bell

CARE GUIDE

Size: Adults can reach a shell length of 20cm

Origin: Central Africa

Lifespan: Up to 30 years

Natural Habitat: They inhabit grasslands, bramble, scrub and savannahs in Central Africa.

The Tartaruga de Bell is a tortoise species with a very distinctive shell shape. It is uncommon but relatively easy to keep, making it an excellent choice for captivity.

Although this is not a difficult species to keep, you should pay attention to a few aspects and ensure certain conditions, which you will find in the following paragraphs.

Terrarium

Size: When small, they can be kept in terrariums, aquariums or tortoise tables with a base of around 90x45cm. As they grow, the terrarium size should be increased. As a rule, the bigger the better. The recommended minimum size for a pair of Tartarugas de Bell is 2x1m.

Material: Glass or Wood

 - Heating and Lighting

A basking area large enough to fully cover the tortoise should be provided, with a temperature of up to 32ºC. The rest of the terrarium can be kept at around 26ºC. At night temperatures can safely drop to 22ºC.

A 12% T5 UVB tube should also be used to provide the right levels of ultraviolet radiation for this tortoise species. 

 - Humidity

Coming from semi-tropical areas, this species prefers slightly higher humidity than other tortoises. The substrate should therefore be misted fairly regularly, and a shallow bathing area should always be available.

- Decor

You can decorate the terrarium with branches, stones and hides. Choose a substrate that allows the tortoise to dig. The most recommended options include Tortoise-Specific Substrates and coco fibre/humus. 

Diet and Supplementation

Feeding habits: Omnivorous

- Foods

The diet should consist of a variety of leafy greens, such as dandelion, clover, chicory, cabbage, etc.; a source of fibre, such as fresh grass, alfalfa or hay; a variety of fruit and vegetables; and sources of animal protein, such as earthworms, larvae, pinkie mice and crickets.

 - Supplementation

Dust the food with a quality Vitamin and Mineral Supplement with Vitamin D3.

Under Portuguese Law No. 95/2017 of 23 August, the sale and/or advertising of wild/exotic animals through websites or online platforms is not permitted. To find out which animals we currently have available and their conditions of sale, please get in touch with us.