How to Breed Redfoot Tortoises

Redfoot tortoises, also known as Savanna tortoises or red-legged tortoises, are native to warm, tropical environments. They have dark brownish coloring along their shells, with bright red spots on their legs and feet. They grow to between 12 and 16 inches in length, which is considered small for a tortoise. Redfoot tortoises are also hardy, which, combined with their size, makes them a logical choice for many tortoise owners. They also breed readily in captivity, when the right circumstances are provided.

Things You'll Need

  • Large tortoise enclosure
  • Various tortoise foods
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Instructions

    • 1

      Select between four and six female tortoises and two male tortoises to breed. Although you can attempt to breed with fewer males and females, the larger female group means a better chance of success, while the two males housed together stimulate mating. You can determine the sex of the redfoot tortoises by looking at the plastron, the undersides of the shell. Males have a concave plastron, while females have flat plastrons. You can also look at the top of the shells. Male shells dip in at the middle, making it look like they have a waist. Females don't have this waist. Females also usually have larger, wider tails than males.

    • 2

      Provide a large enclosure for the tortoises, either indoors or outdoors. This enclosure needs to be large enough for each tortoise to move about freely in its own space, and even larger if possible. If the tortoises are kept outside, make sure the ground is somewhat soft and moist. If they're inside, provide a soft, somewhat moist substrate such as moss or mulch. The female tortoise requires this substrate, as she will dig a hole in which to lay her eggs.

    • 3

      Simulate winter temperatures by cooling the tortoise enclosure slightly. Since redfoot tortoises are tropical, the regular temperature may only need to be dropped a few degrees, into the low 70s. Let the temperature stay cool for several weeks.

    • 4

      Follow the winter period with warmer weather, increasing the temperatures to stimulate spring. The basking area in the enclosure should be at about 90 degrees, while the other areas should not drop below the mid- or high 70s.

    • 5

      Simulate spring rains by gently spraying or misting the tortoises. They often breed after a period of warm weather and rain.

    • 6

      Feed the tortoises a rich diet. Redfoot tortoises naturally eat many different vegetables and fruits, but when they are getting ready to breed, protein- and calcium-rich items such as boiled eggs, butterworms and boiled chicken can be given.

    • 7

      Wait for the tortoises to breed. After being stimulated by the cool period followed by warm weather, the rainfall, and the other tortoises, a female will encourage a male to breed with her.