Reptile & Amphibian Forums

Hi!

I have a new redfoot tortoise hatchling that I was told was a Guyana Redfoot. I have tried searching for info about Guyana RF's and found other types of herps but not Redfoots. If anyone has any info they would like to share about them or if a site(s) is known, I would be ever so greatful! Thanks for your help! Hope your day was a pleasant one!

Chelsea's Mommy

We have 3 18 month old Guyana Redfoot's. What specifically would you like to know about them?

Hi!
Thanks for replying. Like I said I have not been able to find any online info and none of the books I own having anything on them either. I have found that Guyana has rain forests with a significant amount of rainfall and desert area. What is their natural habitat, forest, desert, or both? Is their size, appearance, food preferences altered from other RF's? How do you house yours? Do they need more/less humidity, higher/lower temps? Basically, any differences at all from other RF's? Have you come across any sites that at least mentions them? I would really love to learn all I can about this new hatchling 'Chelsea' that we have adopted.
Thanks again!
Chelsea's Mommy

What is their natural habitat, forest, desert, or both?
Up until they reach 5-6 inches primarily forest. After they reach 6 inches or so they wander from forest edge through grassland areas.

Is their size, appearance, food preferences altered from other RF's?
No, no, probably, but not enough that we need to worry about it.

How do you house yours?
They are in a custom built wood enclosure lined with PVC sheeting. Substrate is cypress mulch (roast it at 350 degrees in your oven for a hour, then let it cool off for a day or so before putting it in the enclosure) roughly 5 inches deep. They love to bury themselves until they get up to 5-6 inches in size. Have a 100watt Capture the Sun UVB /Heat bulb at one end and a 100W Ceramic heat bulb at the other end. This allows for a 75-90 temp gradient across the enclosure. Have two hide boxes for them and 3 ficus, and 2 Hibiscus plants for shade and "edible landscape".

Do they need more/less humidity, higher/lower temps?
Up until they are 5-6 inches they live in the forest so higher humidity is what they are used to in the wild. Our humidity in the enclosure stays pretty constant at 75-80%. Nightime temp drops to 70. They are tropical animals so they live in areas with a small range of temps. They can handle down to 50-55 when adults, but I feel better keeping it above 65 until they reach that stage.

Basically, any differences at all from other RF's?
No, just more colorful, IMHO.

Have you come across any sites that at least mentions them?
None so far.

I would really love to learn all I can about this new hatchling 'Chelsea' that we have adopted.

Join the Redfoot Group on Yahoo groups. There are many knowledgable Redfoot owners who can provide answers to every question you can ask.

Good luck, they are great torotises, second only to Russian's in personality.

Wow! Thanks so much johlum! That is an incredible amount of info and I am deeply indebted to you! I have joined yahoo's Redfoot group and they are all wonderful people. That's how I found this forum! I would love to see pictures of your Redfoots and set up some time. Have a wonderful weekend and again, Thank you!
Chelsea's Mommy, Elena

You're welcome. The Redfoot group is an excellent forum for learning about...Redfoot's. Mike Pingleton, Ed Pirog, and others have many years of experience with Redfoot's and their input is invaluable.

You can see our set-up and three Guyana Redfoot's on the Redfoot Yahoo group. Go to the Photo's link and select the Ernie and Ernie 2 folders. Ernie has the enclosure. Ernie 2 has the enclosure and a pic of the three eating.

Good luck!