Red-Footed Tortoise

RESTRICTED STATE: HI

Red-footed tortoises are native to the dry and wet forests and grasslands of Central and South America. A popular pet with striking shell coloring and markings, red-footed tortoises are long-lived and relatively easy to care for. If you're thinking of getting one, expect to make a significant investment in equipment, food, and your living space for what could be a 50-year commitment.

Care Guide provided for more details on keeping these as pets!

Size: Generally reaches 11 to 14 inches in length. They remain a size that most can handle and show a variation of colors.

Enclosure: Best kept outdoors in an enclosure that they cannot escape from. As hatchlings, they should be kept in a 2x3 enclosure with a top to secure from predators. Increase in size as they grow. ***Bigger is always better***

Diet: Always want to eat and rarely turn down a meal. The best stable diet is grass and leaves. As hatchlings they eat fresh greens such as romaine lettuce, dandelion, collard greens, kale, turnip greens, and any of the darker lettuce types. Mazuri tortoise diet is offered occasionally as well to help supplement any nutrition they are lacking. They need a little more protein than other species. Some keepers offer insects as a supplement.  

Water: Shallow, warm water soaking every third day and a warm basking spot is needed. Slightly moistened substrate works best for Yellow-foots. Natural sunlight in warmer months, or good UV basking bulbs indoors are important. They enjoy lots of humidity and even warm rains. Care must be taken to avoid cold temperatures when keeping Yellow-foots.

Handling: Tortoises generally should not be handled with any regularity. They are easily stressed when over handled. These stress issues can lead to decline in activity level and health.