The Red-Footed Tortoise

The red-footed tortoise originated from central and northern South America and has been introduced to the Caribbean islands. It has red scales on its legs and head which is where it got its names, red-foot, red-leg, or savanna tortoise. In the wild they are found in a variety of environments such as dry grassland and humid forests. They're most active after a rainstorm which stimulates breeding. Its scientific name is Geochelone carbonaria.

Adult red-footed tortoises usually grow to 12 to 18 inches, but those over 14 inches are rare. With proper care, they should outlive their owners and live up to 50 years, possibly longer. They can reach up to 30 pounds at about 20 years old.

Their diet consists of mostly broad leafy plants, fruits, meat, and vegetables. Some greens are collards, kale, green leaf lettuce, chicory, and dandelion. Several fruits are papaya, mangoes, apples, melons, and cactus fruits. A few vegetables are squash, carrots, celery, and occasionally green beans. Some protein supplements are mice, shrimp, chicken, and steak. They are primarily herbivores, but eat almost any bugs they can find. A variety of plants can be eaten by the tortoise such as the prickly pear, American violet, agave, flowering maple, aloe, and Bermuda grass. When they eat, they pick up the food using their arms.

Its indoor housing should be 6 feet by 4 feet or larger. You will need a substrate that will retain humidity such as cypress bark. A UVA/UVB lamp is necessary to heat the housing. A basking spot should be kept at about 95⁰F and the rest of the housing should be 80⁰F to 90⁰F. Nighttime temperatures should drop to about 75⁰F. You should put a bowl of water along with a bowl for its food. A cave where it can hide is necessary and should be placed on the cooler end of the housing. Its outdoor housing needs to be a sturdy escape prove enclosure. To keep it humid, a sprinkler or mister will be needed if it gets to dry. The tortoise will appreciate a muddy wallow with densely planted vegetation. If the temperature drops below the needed temperature, you will need a heater.

The red-footed tortoise has been voted the 4^th best tortoise. It has been voted this because it can survive in difficult situations and environments.