A lack of certain aminoacids that aren't found in plants / fruits but only in animal protein has been associated with neurological problems in redfoots and the typical dragging of the hind legs.

Are you feeding your redfoot any animal protein?

Despite the fact that many keepers feed Mazuri to their tortoises, this consists of plant protein only, and does not supply these essential aminoacids.



While there are no scientific studies on how much animal protein redfoots do take in in the wild, the Tortoisetrust recommends about 0.3 g of low-fat (chicken based) rehydrated (soaked) cat food kibble per 100 g of tortoise once a week.



Another memeber of this group had the same problem with a newly acquired redfoot a few years back and brought her back to health with adjusting her diet this way.



This of course is just a likely cause I can think of, as abcesses or inflammation in the joints might manifest with these symptoms as well. But the fact that the hind legs are affected and that both of them are affected at the same time point more towards the systemic aminoacid lack, as it typically does affect the hind legs only.

Hope this helps,



Gaby

[ Show Entire Thread ]