Red-Footed Tortoise Red-Footed Tortoise is native to South America and is known for its vibrant yellow as well as orange and red markings.
They are open, curious and brave!
This tortoise is an great pet due to their distinct personality and easy of maintenance.
If you do choose to adopt a pet, you’re making an all-time commitment. They could live up and 90 years in captivity. They require large outdoor pen sizes.
If you’re interested in learning more about feeding the house, care for it, and feed for this medium-sized tortoise , check out our guide to care below…
Red-Footed Tortoise Overview
Red-Footed Tortoises are indigenous to grasslands as well as forests in Central as well as South America.
They have a vast geographic spread and can be located in the eastern Andes up to Brazil, Bolivia, and Argentina.
Only one of the three tortoise species within South America they are vital to the ecosystems of the rainforest they reside in.
By taking in fruits, and then excreting seeds, tortoises aid in spreading seeds throughout their forest floors.
The tortoise is referred to by herpetologists due to the tiny leg scales that are red ( giving them their name). They are beautiful with a shell pattern which is dark brown or black with yellow highlights.
They are friendly and love being taught in small groups.
But, before you adopt more than you need, it’s ideal to create a large pen and buy greens, substrates as well as other items that are essential.
They’ll need plenty of room to move around and graze no matter if they live outdoors or indoors. If they’re kept inside, they’ll require both UVB lighting as well as a sunbathing place (more details on this are in the section on habitat).
What we like about this Tortoise
The red-footed tortoise has become an extremely loved species of tortoise to keep as a pet.
They are a natural in captivity and are ideally suited for people who are on a constant routine and are looking for a long-lasting companion – they could last up to 90 years.
Pros
- Unique and vibrant colors.
- People who are outgoing and interesting.
- Affordable and readily accessible.
Cons
- You will require an outdoor enclosure that is large.
- The requirements for humidity can be difficult to keep in check.
- Shell can be a breeding ground for bacteria if it is not properly cleaned.
Species Appearance
It is believed that the Red-Footed Tortoise gets its name because of the unique red yellow, orange, and red patterns that can be seen not just on its feet, but also on its head, legs, and the tail.
The vibrant colors are one of the reasons why they’re so popular.
How Big Will Red-Footed Toises Grow?
The tortoises reach an adult size of 11-14 inches and weigh between 20 and 30 pounds at 10 years old. But the most massive red-foot ever recorded was two feet long and weighed 60lbs.
Hatchlings are about 2 inches long and weigh around 2 ounces.
They can grow by a rate of 1 to 2 inches every year.
The tortises have a sexually distinct gender, males are typically bigger than females They also possess a more concave shell and longer tails. The males have also a larger anal notch which permits them to swing their larger tail forward and back.
Markings and Color Variations
They usually have dark black to brown shells, each cut having a lighter middle and a darker outer.
The scutes of these animals have dark-brown edges and pale gold middles They are which is the opposite of Russian Tortoises.
The tortoise’s dark and almost black skin highlights the reddish marks that are found throughout it.
Their red markings are varied in both quantity and area and are influenced by locations, genetics, as well as diet.
Red-Footed Tortoise Care
Red-Footed Tortoise Diet
In the wild, they typically eat food that is made up of grasses, plants with leafy leaves and flowers, fungi and even fruit. At times, they might snooze on tiny slow-moving invertebrates (e.g. snails and slugs).
They typically eat greens throughout the day but require animal protein every week. Lean meats or cat food is a good source of animal protein but should be consumed in one-ounce portions weekly. If you’re unable to locate cat food, you could use cooked chicken earthworms, slugs, snails.
Red-footed tortoises search for food and often overindulge themselves prior to having a long rest.
One good rule to remember when cooking your meals is:
- 60% greens
- 30% fruits
- 10% vegetables
In general, the amount of greens that you feed must be the same as their body-size.
Feed them daily at the same time every morning.
Every tortoise is different in appetite, therefore you’ll have to alter their diet to suit the amount of food they consume. To prevent obesity , take away all food leftover after an hour after eating.
They aren’t particular eaters, and they eat many different food items.
Use the 60/20/10 rule by varying the kinds of fruits, greens and other vegetables you consume and you will find them to be healthy.
The only supplement they’ll need is calcium powder sprinkled over their greens every once or twice per week.
In the end, tortoises require the space of a large, deep water basin or reservoir to soak and drink from. They are known to urinate when they are soaking, and it is crucial to clean the water regularly to stop the build-up of bacteria up.
What fruits can a red-footed Tortoise Take?
They are fond of tropical fruits like mangos, bananas, and papayas However, you can also give them pears, apples, the plums and pineapples.
Some good vegetables to include in your diet are squash, carrots, and pumpkin.
The best tortoise-friendly greens include collard greens and dandelion leaves as well as kale and cabbage. Iceberg lettuce should not be eaten since it has no nutritional value.
How Long Do Red-Footed Tortoises Live?
In the wild, they can have a lifespan of 20 to 40 years in the wild. In captivity, they can live for a very long life span and can often exceed 50 years of age. Some have survived to be over 80 years old..
They’re generally healthy when they are raised in a clean and safe enclosure, fed a healthy diet, and are given annual vet checks.
There are several health issues as well as numerous typical injuries that owners need to take note of.
The injuries can be caused by surface cuts or toenails that are overgrown, as well as broken beaks.
- Abrasions and small lacerations are common from household objects. If cuts start to develop, wash using warm water and soap that is not scented regularly.
- Overgrown nails happen when they aren’t positioned on the correct substrate. Toenails may be worn down with a dirt or abrasive substance or clipped with pet nail clippers.
- Cracks in the Beak are common and usually aren’t a major worry. Feeding your tortoise on rough surfaces can aid in keeping the surface clean.
Numerous illnesses can result from poor management. Low temperatures, stress, and an unhygienic enclosure may cause respiratory infections in the Red-Footed tortoises as well as parasites and shell rot:
- Sounds of wheezing typically characterize respiratory illnesses.
- Shell rot can be a sign that bacteria are devouring their shells.
- Parasites may be external or internal, and can be seen in the feces.
If any of these symptoms occur , it is recommended to consult your veterinarian.
Health Signs
- Alert, bright, and active, with an appetite that is healthy.
- A smooth, clear skin that is free of imperfections.
- Clear urine and soft white Urates that are clear and soft.
- Well-formed, dry, and firm Feces that are dry, firm and well-formed.
Sickness Signs
- Lack of responsiveness, lethargy and a lack of appetite.
- Dry, flaky, or dry skin.
- Sunken eyes.
- The discharge from the eyes, ears and noses.
Red-Footed Tortoise Enclosure
The tortoise is thriving in a wide variety of habitats across South America and several Caribbean islands.
They are found in tropical rainforests, temperate forests dry thorny forests grasslands and Savannas.
This species is attracted to habitats that have extreme humidity and moderate temperature, and plenty of cover. They require ample soil available for burrowing and will be wary of mud since it is difficult to burrow into.
The need to provide them with high humidity can be difficult in captivity, but it is essential for their health.
In captivity, they’ll require lots of space to move around and play as well as a spot to relax with plenty UVB lighting.
It is essential that they be in a large enclosure, with plenty of stimulation and enrichment.
What Size Cage Does a Red-Footed Tortoise Have to have?
50-gallon glass or plastic tanks are best for juveniles and hatchlings. When your tortoise begins growing to become a size of an adult ( after six years) it will require ample space. A 30-40 square feet of outdoor or indoor pen is recommended.
It is recommended that driftwood and rocks be added for tortoises climb up.
Live, nontoxic plants may be included, however they should be planted because they could cause damage if they are not.
The tortoises are best kept in outdoor pen with a roof made of wire and walls up to 2 feet tall , which are minimum six inches lower than the surface.
The enclosure’s walls must be strong or they’ll fall out.
- Tank Type: outdoor pen.
- Tank Size: 6ft x 6ft minimum.
- Lighting: UVB required.
- Substrate: Cypress Mulch.
Tortoises require exposure UVB light to digest calcium.
If your tortoise lives within an outside enclosure,, they are likely to absorb UVB radiation from sun. If they are kept indoors, you should include an 10% UVB fluorescent lightbulb. The lightbulb should be located between 24 inches from the enclosure and replaced annually.
The temperature of the enclosure during the day should be between 80 – 85 degrees. They will require a designated sun-bathing place that is above 90 degrees.
A basking bulb is utilized for the basking spot.
If the temperature drops to below 80 degrees during the day, you can make use of a ceramic heater. Be cautious not to put anything on your tortoise that they could be burned by.
The temperature at night should be in the range of 70 to 75 degrees. Do not let their temperature fall to below 70 degF as they will have a risk of becoming hypothermic.
Red-footed Tortoises require humidity between 50% to 70 70%. If a damp dig box is set up, they will be able to regulate the humidity of their enclosure. Another method to increase humidity is to add different types of mosses.
Because tortoises are known digging and burrow, a sphagnum or sphagnum moss orchids, or cypress bark substrate can provide a great mix of burrow-ability as well as humidity retention.
Naturalistic substrates are best as they absorb moisture extremely well.
Cleaning and Misting
The enclosures of their enclosures are susceptible to becoming unclean if they are not maintained properly due to their high humidity needs.
Extra food items must be removed from the enclosures within one hour of eating.
Cleanse the waste area and the water pan every day. It is also possible to mist the enclosure after changing the water to increase the humidity.
Every week, rocks or logs as well as their water dish and any other items in their enclosures should be cleaned using soap and warm water.
Also, make sure to change the substrate every week to avoid funky growth.
Common behavior
There isn’t much information about their behavior on the open sea. A majority of their behaviors have been observed in the confinement of captive animals.
In contrast to other tortoise species that are primarily desert, this one is most active during the daylight hours. They spend the majority of the day eating grasses and other plants, digging and taking a bath.
Grooming, roaming, basking as well as soaking, climbing and digging is the way that Tortoises with red feet spend the majority times.
Sometimes they sit still after eating a substantial food intake. Don’t be worried in the event that your tortoise hasn’t been active for several hours.
They are avid to explore and are very interested. They are able to remember the locations of rivers as well as fruit trees and other resources.
This dog is not territorial, and will only display indications of aggression during mating season, when males fighting over females.
They interact with each other via an array number of Clucks. These clucks can be seen especially in courtship and mating.
Another common habit can be seen in head bobbing. Unlike humans tortoises lack a flexible diaphragm. They need to move their heads in order to pump their throats while breathing in air.
Is A Red-Footed Tortoise A Good Pet?
Yes. They are strong and have big personalities.
Yet, they do not like handling. They are not known to bite, but when they do, their jaws can cause pain.
It takes them time to get at ease in their new surroundings. They might even be shy at first.
Give them a few days to adjust to their new environment before they attempt to socialize.
If you are required to handle your tortoisein any way, be sure to use both hands to support the plastron and ensure it is low to the ground.
Wash your hands thoroughly prior to as well after you have handled them.
What’s the Cost of A Red-Footed Tortoise Price?
The Red-Footed Tortoise is usually priced between $150-$300.
Before you purchase from pet shops, make sure to check with local rescue groups and wildlife centres. A lot of animals are abandoned or in need for a new home due to their lengthy lives.
If you choose to purchase a baby make sure to purchase from a reliable breeder and be sure that it is breeding in a captive setting. Their wild population is threatened and is declining.
A healthy tortoise needs to be awake, with clear eyes and a clear fecal passage, and have a smooth , soft shell.
It is recommended to perform a physical examination on the tortoise and check the orifices to see if they are discharged and making sure that the shell and skin are free of any irregularities.
The price of constructing an enclosure will vary dependent on the enclosure. A outdoor enclosure will typically cost less than keeping them inside as it will require UVB lighting and a basking lamp and various other sources of artificial heat.
| Red-Footed Tortoise Facts | |
|---|---|
| Scientific Name | Chelonoidis carbonaria |
| Price | $150-$300 |
| Size | 11-14 inches |
| Lifespan | Between 50 and 90 years |
| Diet | Fruits, greens and vegetables |
| Tank Size | Minimum 6ft x 6ft |
| Humidity and Temperature | Daytime temperature: 80- 85 Basking Spot +90degF Humidity: 50% – 70% |
| Popular Alternatives | Yellow-Footed Tortoise, Russian Tortoise, Sulcata Tortoise |
Summary
The Red-Footed Tortoise is for those who are willing to make a lifetime commitment to a sturdy personable, intelligent reptile.
Their longevity attracts people who want to find a permanent partner.
They’re stunning pets sporting the red color of their scales and a lovely brown shell, with gold accents.
After being given a large outdoor pen that allows them to explore and roam, they require only a daily feed and annual vet checks to ensure their health.
If you are looking for an average-sized tortoise that has stunning red marks, interesting personality and an enthralling appetite, don’t look any further!
Tell us what you think in the comments below.
