Redfoot Tortoise
Helpful Information About The Redfoot Tortoise
The charming redfoot tortoise is a medium sized species. The males are a bit larger with an extremely concave plastron and a narrower midsection that makes them appear as though they have a waist. There are those that portray intense red scales covering their legs and head and those that are a more yellowish shade. Carapace scutes have a yellow center while the remainder area is either dark brown or black.
The redfoot tortoise can be found in diverse environmental situations such as humid forests or very dry grasslands but in the summer they generally prefer a giant mud puddle. They are a species that becomes quite active after a solid rainstorm as this is often stimulating for breeding. They are primarily classified as herbivores but they will eat bugs, slugs, worms and pill bugs if they can catch them.
Food And Water
A redfoot tortoise should have available water at all times and the dish should be large enough for them to actually soak in. A small wading pool outdoors with a bit of dirt in it is a special treat for them in the summer, as they love to wallow in the mud.
This species is considered opportunistic and they enjoy grazing on broad leaf plants. They do also enjoy carrion, insects and overripe fruit. Turnip greens, kale endive, red and green leaf lettuce, dandelion and chicory are good greens that they enjoy. Papaya, apples, mangoes and melons are ideal fruits and they also love all types of squash, green beans and carrots.
Indoor And Outdoor Housing
For hatchlings from a redfoot tortoise, a small Rubbermaid storage container can work well. As a substrate use a long stem sphagnum moss. These hatchlings can dehydrate quite easily and this moss holds moisture well. As they age you can add topsoil to the mix. A 100 watt T-Rex UVHeat flood lamp should be used and raised or lowered accordingly to acquire the proper temperature.
A tortoise table should be used for adults and juveniles since they do get rather large. During the summer months, outdoor pens are ideal. If you live somewhere with a dry climate you will need to add humidity by use of a mister or sprinkler. There should also be a spot protected in this outdoor pen for the redfoot tortoise to retreat to with a heater for cool nights. Adding a few inches of cypress mulch and wetting it down can help add humidity.
Health Problems
The habitat of the redfoot tortoise should reflect their natural needs of warmth and humidity to avoid certain health issues. If the reptile is in a cooled state for too long, it can develop respiratory problems. Running nose and puffy eyes are early signs to watch for. You should always strive to keep your redfoot tortoise in a very comfortable environment.
Be aware that there are unethical breeders that are selling wild captured tortoises as captive bred ones. If this happen to you then your redfoot tortoise could have a number of internal parasites. Do your homework when choosing a breeder.
It is recommended that your redfoot tortoise is taken to the vet for a check up, even if it appears healthy. If your redfoot tortoise has indeed been captured from the wild it could be under a haunting amount of stress from the new surroundings. They will also weigh your reptile to be sure it has a healthy body weight.
These are adorable reptiles that make wonderful pets. They do get quite large though so be sure you have enough room before you take on the responsibility of owning one. Be sure you buy your redfoot tortoise from a reputable breeder to assure it has a healthy future.