do forest hingeback tortoises have tails?

Question

I just bought one and noticed it doesn't have a tail.

Answer 1

Yes, that's where the cloaca is (an opening for pee, poo, and reproduction, all in one). The hingeback shell is a little weird so the tortoise itself may not look like it has a tail but it should at least have some kind of bump there. You probably have a female, as female turtle and tortoise tails tend to be small in general (the male has his "part" come out of his, so it's bigger). It could be hiding the tail very well, too.

Answer 2

They do, but they can be pretty stubby, especially for a female. They often do not show past the edge of the shell.

You DID know that Forest hingebacks are a real pain to care for right? They want nearly 100% humidity and like frequent warm rains in their nice, warm pens.

Answer 3

look at any between the plates on the carapace. The plate is composed of concentric earrings. The earrings nearest the midsection are the oldest, and they could be quite worn, so that you may want to study them heavily. count number the earrings. each and each and every ring represents one 12 months, extra or a lot less.

Answer 4

more like a weird bump that apperently is still considered a tail