Reptile & Amphibian Forums

I was just wondering which is easier or less demanding to keep as far as husbandry goes? I have 2 leopards I have had for over a year now and wanted to know how much(if any) harder redfoots are to keep. Are redfoots more personable? Both my leopards are pretty shy.

redfoots can be very personable. I would say that those two tortoises are the same difficulty in keeping them happy. it is really just a matter of doing your research and giving them a good home.

I have kept and bred both leopards and redfoots and raised many of both from hatchling to adult. Redfoots are hands down, way more 'responsive' and interesting than leopards. But I am not putting leopard tortoises down either--they are very beautiful and impressive animals in their own right--but they are different from redfoots.
Two females that I raised from hatchlings and even bred back in the early 80s, never became as 'friendly' or responsive as any redfoot that I ever had. But I wouldn't say that they were shy, but rather just kept to themselves.
Leopard tortoises, while not difficult captives, are not nearly as hardy as redfoots.

I also have raised Leopards from 4" to 13".. and Redfoot hatchlings to 11+" egglayers. In fact the 3rd of 3 "sisters" just gave me 6 eggs tonight.. her 1st nest ever.. and I caught her 1st egg coming out.. how much better can it get???

As far as equally difficult to maintain and keep (?).. we're talking about tortoises folks.. trying to duplicate "THEIR" world in our polluted deal.. that's a labor of love!!

Do your home work.. get your set-up right.. and you'll have friends for life!!!

As for REDFOOT TORTOISES...

You gotta love 'em!

Terry