Reptile & Amphibian Forums

What are some sources for animal protein for Redfoots? And how often? I have had some hatchlings die while hatching or shortly after and some people have told me that I need some animal protein in the diet for the adults.

I would say thats the least likely reason for their death.Although the females diet can be a factor,it would most likely cause the eggs not to form to begin with.If you have them hatching and leave them in a closed container there are fumes from the hatching eggs that I believe are toxic.You might have fruit fly type of contamination in the yoke sack.(it happens in the best of incubation set ups.)Some babies are just weak for reasons unknown.Having them come so far and die is very disturbing.It happens to all of us that have hatched out tortoise and other reptile eggs.You will figgure it out in time so dont be discouraged.Maybe Rooker will chime in,he hatches out lots of redfoots.Good luck. Vic

I do give my breeding females frozen thawed mice from time to time between Aug. - March. This seems to help with the demand for calcium which is desperately needed in egg production. Although the the mice supply protein, I give my redfoots Mazuri Tortoise chow twice per week to supplement their greens and fruit.

I agree with Vic that your immediate problem may involve incubation environment. I can tell you that redfoots need alot of humidity in the incubator but not a wet incubation medium. I use hatch-rite and place a couple of 16oz. drinking glasses of water in the incubator. A small computer CPU Fan is used to circulate the humidity. When everything is right you will see slight drops of moisture on the havobator sight glass. Hope this helps---Richard Rooker

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Richard -amazoa-

"Changes in behavior occur when the pain of staying the same outweighs the pain of change."

I do feed my Redfoots mazuri from time to time. Does this have enough protein to meet their animal protein requirements? What about monkey chow?

In my own collection the mazuri twice a week and the occasional mouse provides the redfoot enough protein. With protein you don't want to over do it since it has been suspected of playing a roll in pyramiding of the carapace scutes. The Mazuri is a balanced diet often used by zoos for Galops. but works well in moderation for many species of tortoises. Good Luck with your tortoises....Richard
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Richard -amazoa-

"Changes in behavior occur when the pain of staying the same outweighs the pain of change."

What size mice do you give your adults? Thanks for your responses.

I give my breeding females a medium mouse a couple of times a month July - March. My largest female redfoot laid 7 eggs yesterday she broke one in the process and all the eggs looked terrific. Last year she laid within a week of the same date. This would be a great time for me to slip her a mouse, and provide a lot Collards and some mazuri. With my females they will cruise the enclosure a couple of days prior to laying often with her nose close to the ground selecting her location. My females most often begin laying in the late afternoon here in Florida and finish between 9-11pm. While she is cruising her enclosure she does not eat. After the laying of the eggs she always drinks lots of water and will gorge herself the following day. Provide for her and they reward you through the season. This female is like a clock about every 35-50 days she will lay additional clutches through March or April. My group has never laid in May-July here in Jacksonville, Fl. Good Luck --Richard

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Richard -amazoa-

"Changes in behavior occur when the pain of staying the same outweighs the pain of change."

I give my adult male some frozen/thawed mice (usually large pinkies). I usually give him 3 in a feeding, then wait for 2-4 weeks before giving him more. I just received some mazuri tortoise chow, so I'm hoping to incorporate that into the diet as well.

what can i say, i'm a little squeamish, so i don't give mine any pinky mice... she does love her mazuri, though, and i also give her an occasional meat treat (usually sandwich meat) or (rarely) a bit of cooked egg.