Reptile & Amphibian Forums

Hi, I currently have a Three Toed living in an outside enclosure, because of humidity needs, and I'd like to have a inside tortoise aswell.

I know that Russians can live in a 50 gallon rubbermaid tub, but can Redfoots aswell? I just don't like dealing with hibernation.

Also, are redfoots good eaters?

Thanks

I don't want to come across as one of those self-righteous types, but in my opinion a 50-gallon plastic tub would be cramped for anything except a hatchling or juvenile russian. For an adult russian I think it would lead to a poor quality of life.

A redfoot can get 1.5-2 times as long as a russian, so a 50 gallon tub would be even worse.

Also, you really don't need to hibernate a russian. If you want a tortoise, consider a russian for ease of care and just give it about 8 sq ft of space to live in. Of course, more is better.

a rubbermaid is better than an aquarium.
anyway.. how about a hermanns?
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The problem with a rubbermaid 50g tub is that there isn't much space. If you had an aquarium with the same floor space, it would be just as bad.

If you had an aquarium with 8sq ft of space, it would be better.

The problem with an aquarium is that they are expensive, heavy, and generally have no floor space, which is what a tortoise needs. A lighter plastic or wooden enclosure would be easier to clean and maintain, and less like to break.

Find something larger than a rubbermaid 50g tub for an adult tortoise of any species. Kiddie pool, rubbermaid tub, large storage tub, watering trough, homemade wooden enclosure, etc.

A Hermanns is about the same size as a russian, so the space problem would be the same.

Redfoots have some of those same humidity needs. If you cannot maintain a nice moist hide for your three toed indoors than a Redfoot would not be a good choice. As Bradtort mentioned a rubbermaid tub that size would be way too small for a redfoot once it started to grow a bit. They are excellent eaters and wonderful animals but if humidity is a concern for you (or the lack of it) then I would avoid getting a redfoot.

If you are set on keeping a tortoise, have you considered an Egyptian? (Testudo kleinmanni) Based on my reading, they appear to do well year-round indoors (can avoid the humidity) and grow to a maximum size of approx. 5 inches which speaks to your space considerations. (Although at least 4 square feet of habitat per animal seems needed since they like to forage). They do better away from cold climates, it seems, I don't know where you're located. I don't believe they hibernate but have been known to "estivate" if the conditions dictate. (Sleep through the hottest heat of the summer.)

Cheers.

The most sucessful breeders of the Egptian tortoise are all located in cold climates.

>>If you are set on keeping a tortoise, have you considered an Egyptian? (Testudo kleinmanni) Based on my reading, they appear to do well year-round indoors (can avoid the humidity) and grow to a maximum size of approx. 5 inches which speaks to your space considerations. (Although at least 4 square feet of habitat per animal seems needed since they like to forage). They do better away from cold climates, it seems, I don't know where you're located. I don't believe they hibernate but have been known to "estivate" if the conditions dictate. (Sleep through the hottest heat of the summer.)
>>
>>Cheers.
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Ed @ Tortoise Keepers
Trying to keep the fun in Chelonian care