Red-Footed Tortoise Care Guide

LIFE SPAN

Up to 50 years in captivity 

AVERAGE ADULT SIZE

11-14 inches long, up to 30 pounds

NORMAL BEHAVIOR & INTERACTION

Redfoot Tortoises are active and shy tortoises. They are diurnal, so they spend most of their day foraging and burrowing. They usually do well housed in groups or pairs as long as enough space is provided for each pet. 

CAGE TEMPERATURE

Daytime: 85°-90°F

Nighttime: Should not drop below 70°F

Basking: 95°F

HUMIDITY

50-70% humidity levels 

FEEDING

Redfoot Tortoises are omnivorous and have a wider range of acceptable foods than most tortoise species. We recommend 60% of the total diet be made up of dark leafy greens and grasses, 30% of the diet consist of other vegetables and fruits and 10% of the diet consist of tortoise pellets or animal protein. Variety is important, so they should be offered different foods regularly. Some great diet options are:

• Commercial grassland tortoise pellet diets

• Animal protein in the form of cooked lean meats

• Dark leafy greens such as prickly pear, grape leaves, collard greens, romaine, kale, turnip greens and arugula

• Fruits and vegetables such as carrots, sweet potato, melon and papaya

SUPPLEMENTS

Dust food with calcium and vitamin supplements. As a rule, a growing juvenile’s food should be dusted more often than adult food. 

WATER

A large bowl of fresh chlorine-free water must always be available. It should be large and shallow enough for your tortoise to climb into. Change it daily, or as needed, as your pet will most likely bathe in it as well.

UVB LIGHT

Redfoot Tortoises MUST be exposed to UVB lighting 8-12 hours a day. This exposure is CRITICAL in allowing the animal to synthesize vitamin D3 and absorb calcium.

ENCLOSURE SIZE

Redfoot Tortoises should have a home that measures at least 4 x 2 feet or larger with a secure top for juveniles. Once adults, large outdoor and indoor pens are needed with at least 15 inch tall walls and a space at a minimum of 4 x 8 feet. 

SUBSTRATE

We recommend a shredded aspen bedding or reptile carpeting.

HIDE HOUSE

Place at least one hide house in your tortoise’s enclosure to give him a secure spot to retreat to.

DAY/NIGHT CYCLES & HEATING

All tortoises must have distinct day and night periods in their enclosure. Redfoot Tortoises need 8-12 hours of daytime and 8-12 hours of nighttime. 

HABITAT MAINTENANCE

Daily maintenance should consist of spot cleaning by removing soiled substrate, cleaning water bowl thoroughly and wiping glass/sides clean. The entire tank should be cleaned thoroughly at least once every month.

RECOMMENDED SUPPLIES

• 4’L x 2’W (or larger) enclosure with secure mesh top for juveniles
• Large dome & appropriately sized heat light
• Fluorescent UVB bulb & housing
• Under tank heating pad
• Temperature/humidity gauge
• Mulch or reptile carpeting substrate
• Hide houses (at least 1)
• Large water bowl - big enough to soak in
• Grassland tortoise pellet diet
• Calcium & vitamin supplements
• Water dechlorinate drops
• Spray bottle

Vet Approved

Our Care Guides are designed to assist in general knowledge and requirements for the care of your new family member. We strongly encourage further research and consultation with your veterinarian on the complete and proper care of any new pet.

For more information visit petsuppliesplus.com, cdc.gov/healthypets or contact your veterinarian.

Always wash your hands before and after handling your pet or cleaning its habitat, and remember that any pet can scratch, bite or transmit disease to humans.

For pregnant women, persons with compromised immune systems, or if you have children under the age of 5, we strongly recommend contacting your physician prior to purchasing or caring for a new pet.

Please see the Centers for Disease Control website at www.cdc.gov/healthypets for more information.