Reptile & Amphibian Forums

Hey- I live on the east coast of Florida. I have spent a lot of time researching Gopher Tortoises. I've decided to get a tortoise for myself. He or she would live in an outdoor pen near the beach. Do you have any suggestions of a small friendly tortoise that would enjoy the company of people? (I was considering Russian or Redfoot). Feedback is greatly appreciated. Thanks- Brooks

I think a redfoot would be better suited to your location.

...and they have great personality. They are not small though,-
depending on the region their ancestors came from, they will
reach 30 - 35 cm SCL or even 40 cm, if they are males.
Also they should not be exposed to temperatures much lower than
20 degrees Celsius, especially when young and small. I am not
sure of your outdoor minimum temps, but you might have to build
a heated shed / greenhouse or the like for cool nights.
Good luck,
Gaby

You might even want to consider a Yellow Foot. I am sure you have really high humidity by the beach.

...which would grow even bigger though...

I have lived in eastern Palm Beach County my entire life and now live only a 1/2 mile from the ocean. We are actually pretty DRY here when compared to just a few miles inland. Also, our soil (basically sand) drains INCREDIBLY fast and can be dry only hours after a thunderstorm. That is why gopher tortoises are found here along the coast and in the higher ridges inland.
I have kept Herman's, Greeks, leopards as well as redfoots here with absolutely no problems. Actually, during the winter, I have to insure that my redfoots get enough water as we are usually bone dry here along the coast during that part of the year.

That is odd, isn't it. One would think being near a body of water it would be humid. I guess what one might assume is not always the truth. Thank you for claifing. I have learned something new today.

This is a real good example of regional micro habitats/climate. The same thing occurs in San Diego and I'll be willing to bet elsewhere in the country/world. That is why I can't help but roll on the floor laughing when they say 'you can't keep redfoots in Southern California' or 'you can't keep leopards or sulcatas in Florida'... it all depends.
Ed

Thanks for all the info. Redfoot it is. Does anyone know if they can eat seagrapes?

I don't know about the leaves. The fruit are only seasonable too.

Try Ed Pirog.....he has some nice long term cherryhead redfoots right now. I can tell you for a fact they thrive here.