Habitat:

Indoors: For hatchlings, 40-75 gallon front opening aquariums as they retain the moisture and heat.

Until they are about six months old, I use only long stem sphagnum moss as a substrate with coco husk mulch mix. Hatchlings are very prone to dehydration, and moss holds the moisture very well. As they get older, I start adding topsoil to the mix and live, tortoise safe plants. Ensure the substrate is slightly moist and that the temps are warm. Provide a few options for hiding areas; cork is an excellent option for smaller tortoise hides!

Having two different sides gives a temperature gradient, which allows them to choose a comfort level. Typically I also suggest an Arcadia 12% tube UVB to insure full coverage of the enclosure and help them grow properly. Again insure you change out your UV bulb by the recommended 1 year for Arcadia.

For juveniles and adults, a tortoise table is the best option. Exo Terra and Zoomed also have premade tortoise hutch options available. Making your own is also a viable option.

I use a reptile fogger,on low, to provide extra humidity in the cage for 4-8 hours during the day.

Outdoors: As they get larger, outdoor pens during the summer months could be an option. Again these should be as large and secure as possible.

Humidity is essential, so if you live in a dry climate, additional moisture will be needed from sprinklers and misters.

There should be a heavily planted area to provide cover and additional humidity. I also use a large deck box with a hole cut out in the side as a retreat. It’s fitted with ceramic heat emitters on a thermostat to provide heat on cool nights. I also have a large computer type fan to provide extra air circulation and cooling. I put a few inches of cypress mulch in there for excess moisture.

Feeding:

Redfoot Tortoises are opportunistic grazers and enjoy broadleaf plants. However, they also eat overripe fruit and carrion, insects etc. The best diet contains a wide variety of weeds (leaves and flowers), greens, vegetables and fruit.We feed Mazuri Tortoise pellets moistened and fresh fruit/veg daily. Do not forget to supplement with a Calcium and multi vitamin powder.

Example Of Diet:

• Greens:
  • turnip greens
  • collards
  • kale
  • red & green leaf lettuce
  • endive
  • escarole
  • chicory
  • Dandelion (organic)
  • Butter Leaf Lettuce
  • Mint
  • Basil
  • Carrot Greens
  • Avoid Feeding Iceburg Lettuc
  • Avoid Cabbage
  • NEVER Feed Avacado
• Fruit:
  • papaya
  • mangoes
  • apples
  • melons
  • cactus fruit
  • blueberries
  • strawberry
  • Avoid overly citrus fruits and veg
• Vegetables:
  • all squash
  • carrots
  • occasionally green beans
  • broccoli
  • cauliflower
• Animal matter:
  • once a month or so, feed a source of animal protein. I provide a mash of tortoise pellets and meal worms/silkworms

Water:

Redfoot tortoises should have water available at all times. The dish should be large enough for them to soak in and shallow enough for them to enter and escape from easily.Outdoors, adults enjoy a small wading pool. They also love to wallow in mud! Be sure to watch young tortoise while outdoors as birds or cats may attack and try to eat them.

General Care:

Tortoises are friendly and fun to watch. They will learn to recognize you and come to you for food or a head rub. Redfoot tortoise typically grow to be 14-16” and live 20 -40+ years in optimal conditions.

**All information in this sheet is meant as a good start for your new red foot tortoise, please also seek advice from a qualified exotic vet.

Site by Bradley Hopkins @ SHP