Reptile & Amphibian Forums

Hello,

I was wondering if anyone could share some comments, observations and comparisons about Redfoot Tortoise behavior/personality? Could you tell me what tortoises have the best personalities, or are most interactive? I have been looking and doing some searching myself on this topic but I would love to hear from the forum members. Thank you so much for your time.

my redfoot, junior, is great. he can definitely tell the differences between people, and his comfort level/squirmyness varies accordingly.

he's pretty smart so far, too, especially for a baby. if he eats something he doesn't like, he remembers it later. once i'd painted my nails blue and, thinking (i suppose) that it was blueberries or something, he went to eat them 'til i wiggled my fingers and he figured out it was me. after that he totally ignored my nails, so obviously he learned something.

he's pretty docile, too, really. being captive-bred helps with that, but he hardly ever shrinks away from anything unless you move fast, and then he's right back out of his shell when he realizes it's ok. the only time he pulls all the way in is when i bathe him (every once in a while i gently clean his shell with an old soft toothbrush).

i'm sure lots of the regulars here can tell you some good stories!

In all my years (32 ) of tortoise keeping I have found that an acclimated Russian beats them all for personality and hardiness. Greek's are a close second and Redfoot's third.

An acclimated Russian (in captivity in a correct environment and food for 1 year or more) is just like a cocker spaniel in a shell. Every one of our breeding group is outgoing, curious, and will run over to you when you come near their pen, whether the indoor one or outdoor one. I have also found that they are, bar none, THE hardiest tortoise or turtle I've ever kept. When you get everything correct their ability to handle extremes of tempurature and humidity is unmatched. Not one of ours has had any problem at all, in the four years we've had them, that required a vet visit (outside of the initial worming. And when you bring them out of hibernation they are wired!

I enjoy our Redfoot's (captive bred 2 year olds) greatly, but Russian's are tough to beat.

Good luck

My redfoot is referred to as the "puppy-turtle" by my friends because he likes having his head rubbed.

n/p