Reptile & Amphibian Forums

I have many reptiles and i am thinking about getting a Venezuelan Red Foot. Reason being: The pet shop i get my feeders from has one in a 20 gallon fish tank and it is almost as big as the tank. No, this is not a pity buy (well, sort of) but i am good friends with the guys at the pet store and they are pleading me to take it and offering a low sum of money, just because its not selling, and they feel bad cause they don't have room for it...

ANYWAY:
My questions-
I live in St. Louis. it is humid, and in the summer like this it can get up to 100 degrees but i would say average is 80-90 degrees. The only way i will purchase the tortoise is if i can set up a pen outside until fall and I am just wondering if those conditions will adequately suit the big fellow. From what i have read, it will, but i wanted to here 'from the horses mouth,' so they say.

Thanks!

-Dan

My instincts tell me that this wouldn't be a bad idea. However, should the temperature fall below fifty five degrees farenheit (sixty if it's raining), bring the boy inside. Red foots are notorioiusly hardy animals. However, before you purchase this beast, inquire as to it's origin, voracity of feeding, temperment, etc. If it is wild caught, inquire as to whether or not the store owner has treated the animal with panacure or other parasite treatment, as wild ones tend to have a hefty parasite load that can send an animal on a rollercoaster ride of healthy ups and diseased downs. Ensure that the animal is feeding well before you buy it. Fussy feeders are no fun, and they tend to become even further withdrawn in an outdoor setting. Other than that, I can't think of any potential problems. Simply put, do your research. There are many good books on redfoots out there. There are also many knowledgeable people on this forum. If you have any further questions, just post another query.

T.G.