Reptile & Amphibian Forums

I know you all are probably sick of these types of posts, but here we go. I am thinking about getting a Redfoot, and I just wanted people's opinions about them as a first tortoise. She is 2 years old, from a pet store. I was told she would get a little over 100 pounds. I have done some reading and research on these, and they seem like a very nice and calm animal to have in the home. I also am the owner of some snakes, and different frogs as well. So it wouldn't be too hard of an adjustment I think to grab this one as well. Just kind of wondering what special considerations need to be thought of before I get her. Not totally sure either, I do want her, and I know I would take great care of her. Just finding out as many different opinions as I can. Thanks in advance for advice, and any type of critisism.

A 100 pound Redfoot tortoise?? Jazz that will have to be a World record.. gotta see that one. I can see how a RF would be confused with a 'dab or 'glop!!

Only considerations: warm.. humid.. space.. varied diet of dark green veggies and canteloupe, plums, strawberries and worms, snails.. occasional corn/banana.. and once a week or so animal protein in the form of mice (which should be easy for a snake keeper).. all of the above sprinkled with Calcium carbonate powder from your local health food store (plain.. nothing added).. and of course a good UVB/UVA bulb.

And you're on the right track.. research all you can!!

Terry

Yeah when the girl at the store told me what kind of size I would be looking at, it really made me wonder. But she said a couple times that it would reach over 100 pounds. How big do they usually get? Cuz that type of size is a little more than I think I would be comfortable handling. Thanks for the tips as well.

Hey,

I'm a relatively new redfood owner myself, but from all of the research I've done, I am fairly certain that female redfoots average between 10 to 12", while males are a little bigger (up to 14", I think?). I haven't heard of weight much over 20 pounds, although I could be a little off on that.

The other consideration for the redfoots is space--they need enough room to roam around in order to prevent atrophy and to keep them interested in their surroundings. If you're lucky enough to live in a warm climate (above 70 degrees), you might be able to keep yours outside most of the time. If you live in a place like I do (the Pacific Northwest), make sure you have a big empty space in your home/apartment. I live in an apartment, so I don't have a spare room for my tortoise to roam around in on his own--but I just purchased a large plastic wading pool (per Terry's advice--he's great!) and am in the process of fixing it up for Ndugu. Thankfully, they can take a few years to get to full size, by which point they need large enclosures (and, ideally, outdoor housing for at least the summer).

I have been researching like crazy for a few months, so I'll be happy to help out with whatever I know...good luck! Redfoots have awesome, individual personalities...they are very fun companions, in a tortoise sort of way.

Beware the condition of a store-bought tortoise...I dearly love my redfoot, but his initial vet bills wound up costing three times more than what we paid for him...he came to us from a big name pet store with a bad respiratory infection and two types of worms...of course, you also have to weigh the benefits: would the tortoise fall into the wrong hands if you didn't purchase it? Do you want to give a guy who's had a rough start a better chance at thriving? It's a tough call, but I have heard that people have an easier time with their newbie's health if they buy from a reputable tortoise breeder or rescue group...Just my opinion.

One other quick question regarding my previous post. How well do these guys handle? Are they fairly social? I have heard that they enjoy being with other ones of their kind. Just wondering with people and whatnot.

Look at GREGARIOUS tortoises thread below!

Remember... these are reptiles.. not kittens.. you watch them.. tickle there throat.. but seldom even pick them up.. only to move them when "NECESSARY".. get the point????????

Not in any way trying to be rude!!!.. point well taken????

You gotta love 'em!!

Terry

I had a 4 year old redfoot named Sal that was referred to by my friends as the 'puppy turtle' because he would wiggle his butt when I rubbed the back of his shell. He LOVED to roam around the house & got along great with the cats.

A couple of months ago he went to live in the country with a woman who loves tortoises & had always wanted a redfoot. He lives like a king outside instead of under lights in an indoor pen & has become her favorite tortoise.

Redfoots are great creatures!

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