Reptile & Amphibian Forums

We have a baby redfoot tortoise right now. Hubby is thinking about getting a russian for a playmate for the redfoot. Is there any problems in putting them together? Thank you for your response in advance!
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Cheryl

Sorry but no. Russian's like it dry and should have no fruit in their diet. Redfoot's like it humid and and some fruit is good for them.

Redfoots also need animal protein in their diet, and Russians should not.

Katrina

I agree with the other reply. Different environment and different food. Your husband could get a burmese mt. Tort as they have similar requirements as the redfoot or you could do what I do is have a tort table with a divider. One side sand/dirt, dry with leopard torts and the other side cypress mulch/ damp with redfoots. I have to admit I got two of each for company. Doesn't seem to faze the redfoots but the leopards are inseparable. I have tried to attach picture of the enclosure
Tom

Thank you for your response. You answered my second question on what other tortoise he could get. I like your pictures also. Gives me another idea what to do. Our redfood is in timothy hay. He likes to bury himself in it. But I like your setup better. So I might have to give him a new home!
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Cheryl

Its usually not a good idea to mix different speices because they may carry different bacteria or viruses that will not affect them but will kill another tortoise that has not developed an immunity to it.

Redfoots (and most hatchlings) need more humidity. A good mulch or mulch/top soil mix will hold humidity and allow for digging. You can also use artificial silk plants as hide spots. Most torts and turtles learn fast that they aren't food.

I would be hesitant to use just sand for ANY hatchling/younger juvenile tortoise. Mulch or a sand/topsoil mix can be kept dry as well as humid. Juveniles of any species should have a more humid corner or a seperate humid hide area to go when they want. New studies are showing that dehydration (often in the form of a too dry environment in addition to lack of access to water) plays a large part in pyramidding. In the wild, tortoises (especially desert tortoises) dig burrows or scrapes and create more humid microclimates in the burrows with thier breathing.

Katrina

Burmese Mountain tort is NOT a good option either. They do both have similar requirements. The mountain tort takes slightly cooler temps than the redfoot And spends more time soaking. Also they are from different parts of world which is yet another reason not to mix species.

My new red foot is coming this morning!!! I can't wait. He is going to get a buddy now. Hope they get along. I am going to change the hay and put mulch in. Thanks for all your replies!!!
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Cheryl