Reptile & Amphibian Forums

Hi,
I have kept many different species of herps (and bred several), over the years but I'm new to tortoises. I've been considering getting one to house outdoors here in the Florida Keys. I'm looking for suggestions for a good beginner tort that will thrive in a semi-tropical/tropical enviornment, (i.e. high humidity and temps averaging about 80 ). I know red foots are from South America, so they'd be able to thrive in this enviornment, but most things I read state that this is not a good beginner tortoise. Any suggestions/comments are very much appreciated. thanks.

I'm not sure where you read something negative about redfoots but I disagree. I think a Redfoot tortoise is a great first tortoise, especially in FL.

Most common tortoises will do great in FL. If your not sure about a specific variety, just ask.

John

Thanks. Im glad to hear that because I really like the looks and markings of the red foots. I was also considering hermans or russians, but Im concerned about how they;'d react to the constant high humidity of Florida Keys. Any other input is appreciated. thanks again.

I am in WPB, a few counties up from you, I have four redfoots. I was given Tallulah from a friend, he found her wandering and didn't want her after the owner never showed up to claim her. It all went crazy from there. I was hooked on these great torts and I now have four total in my "herd".

I have had very few problems keeping them outside on my patio. I bring them in when the weather goes below 65F, and I feed daily. There is more than enough room for them to roam and plenty of hiding places for them to feel comfortable. They are exposed to full sun and have many shady spots as well.

My experience is that they are very friendly torts, they come out when they are hungry and walk around my legs begging. The girls like their butts rubbed. They have also had no major health problems, I have taken them to the vet to de-worm and de-parasite, but it is a good practice no matter what type of tort you get.

Overall they are great torts and I would say low maintenance since our weather complies with most of their needs, hot and HUMID! I can only see them being difficult if you need to set up an indoor table and try to get the humidity level up high enough. Plus the benefit of living in Florida, the torts get alot of different fruits year round. Sorry this was so long, but I love those reds! I hope this helps.

Allegra

Thanks for that post Allegra. What a great pic, too! Are there any good caresheets and/or dealers in South Florida that you could recommend? I also need to learn more about providing proper, naturalistic outdoor enclosure. Any advice on that?Thanks again.

There are many great website out there, you can do a basic serach for "redfoot tortoise care". Here are a few:

http://www.pingleton.com/redfoot/redfoots.htm

http://www.chelonia.org/

http://www.tortoisetrust.org/

With the outside enclosure, plenty of shade an plenty of access to water. I have it easy right now, they are on my patio and they hide under my orchid tables. When we move, I will have a blank slade of a yard to plan out for them. I will keep you posted. Some people use old dog houses as a suitable hide spot for their torts.

Another plant to consider is hibiscus. Mine love the flowers and leaves. Opuntia cactus is also good food for them. Those are the two basics that I am sure of that grow well in Florida and that is healthy for their diet. I find that variety is best. Greens (romaine, red leaf lettuce, green leaf lettuce, cactus pads and dandelion) and fruits/veggies(fruits, papaya, mangos, strawberries, grapes (little bit), peaches, plums, apples, mushrooms, carrots and squash)

I don't personally know any good dealers, but Abbots Farm in central florida seems to have a good rep. I got my cherryheads from a not so reputable dealer...found out after the fact. And the fourth was a gift from a friend. Have you decided if you want a cherryhead vs. regular?

I had to learn the hard way, just take your new tort to the vet to get checked for parasites and protozoa. It will prevent any worries regarding health.

Allegra

Thanks again for all the info. A few more questions.

Aside from size, are there any other differences/advantages in having a regular vs. a cherry head?

How old a tort would you recommend a beginner start with? I'd naturally prefer a young one, but Im not sure if there are signifcant differences in husbandry between young torts and adults.

Also, about housing outdoors. Im am concerned about things like fire ants and racoons, as we hae plenty of both in the Keys. What's the preferred way to keep these creatures out of a tortoise pen? Are there any good links about constructing such an enclosure?

And finally, what is a fair price for a red-foot, cherry-headed or regular?

Thanks again very much for all the help.