I've wanted a tortoise for a long time, and have decided to take a buddy up on adopting his son's redfoot. They've had it for 3 years, and don't seem to know a ton about tortoise husbandry. It's kept in a small aquarium and doesn't get much attention outside of feeding and watering. I feel like it would be better for me to give this one an appropriate home than to buy a new one.

First off, I'd like to know about quarrantine. I keep a blue tegu, an Egyptian uro and a red ackie and I'd prefer not to get them sick. The tort does not appear to be unhealthy, but I'm confident that it was an import when they bought it. outside of a vet visit, which I intend to do immediately, how long should I keep the tort out of my reptile room?

Also, I'd like to keep it outside in the warmer months. When constructing a pen, do I need to make it secure from above or can I just build a pen out of garden wood ties stacked 3 or 4 high? How do ensure that it does not become a mudhole when it rains?

How large exactly should my indoor enclosure be for an adult?
I have several new MVBs in reserve for heat/light. I intend to use cypress mulch for the sub. What book would I be wise to buy to prepare for this?

I should get the tortoise in a month when I visit my family, so there is time to prepare. I am familiar with the grind and the joy of keeping reptiles, but this is new territory for me. Any help would be appreciated.

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