Red Footed Tortoise Care Guide

Red Footed Tortoise Care Guide
The Red Footed tortoise got its name because of the prominent red-orange color visible on its head, limbs and tail. They are endemic in South America and are also popular as pet. They survive well in captivity and can live for more than 50 years. Your pet may grow to about 10-16 inches so they need an enclosure that can accommodate them until they reach their full size. Red footed tortoise can adapt well in Southern Florida weather. Outdoor temperatures can be between 90-95°F (32-35°C) at day and 65-70°F (18-21°C) at night.

Red footed tortoises thrive well in humid and tropical weather. You may use a mister or sprinkler to increase humidity inside their pen. Also provide them with an area where they can dry out since staying wet all the time may give them respiratory ailments. A shallow pan of water or a muddy wallow can also be provided for soaking or wallowing. While indoors, you may use cypress bark as substrate. Paper will be suitable as well. Temperature gradients should be at 80-90°F (27-32°C) at day and 75°F (24°C) at night. Provide them with a basking spot at 95°F (35°C).
While adapting to its new home and new environment, your pet may fast for a period of time. Wild caught tortoise may fast longer than captive bred so be patient if your pet does not immediately start to eat. Red footed tortoise can be fed with more variety of food than other species. Their diet should be 80% fibrous vegetables and 20% fruits and vegetables. You can feed them with dandelion greens, mustard green, endives and escaroles. Supplement their diets with calcium and vitamin D3. This specie does not need to hibernate during colder months.