Reptile & Amphibian Forums

hello all, i got my hatchling redfoot (Pugsly) about a year ago from central florida reptile farm. he was probably a couple of months old when i got him. regrettably, i did not weigh or measure him when i got him but he doesn't seem to be much larger than when i got him. he was around 2.5" and now he is maybe 3-3.25". is this normal? he spends most of his time hiding in the ferns or in his hide box, but he comes out when i spray the enclosure (the largest rubbermaid tub i could find) with the hose. parts of his cage are in the 80's and 90's. Pugsly doesn't eat much but he gets hibiscus flowers and leaves, clover, plum, mango, shredded carrots occasionally, watercress, endive, chicory, nectarine, grape leaves, etc. he is outside with humidity usually in the 80% range (central florida). he doesn't eat any of the geranium or begonias planted in his cage. he never eats as much as i give him (about 1/4 cup of whatever). every day, he comes out when i feed him and he consumes several bites, then perhaps moves on to something else for a few bites, and then he usually walks away. is this normal? he will eat quite a bit if i hold him and feed him by hand though. what kind of growth and appetite should i expect over the next year or two?

.75" in one year sounds decent to me. How do you figure that your tortoise is not growing? In captivity, some redfoots are known to grow an inch a year but I'd say the growth you've experienced is okay. As long as your tortoise is feeding regularly, active and bright eyed, you should be okay.

Paul

I also have a 1 year old Redfoot and mine eats very well.
If you could tell me what your tort weighs, we could compare.

That would give you some idea. If you can weigh him/her
in grams.

Linda