How to Care for Red-Footed Land Tortoise

The red-footed tortoise is a hardy species that is relatively easy to care for, making it a good choice for beginners. In the wild they are found in a number of areas in and around South and Central America and the Caribbean Islands. Also known as the savanna tortoise, the males of the species can reach sizes of up to 14 inches in length. The females are smaller, growing to approximately 11 or 12 inches. They have a lifespan of 50-plus years, so be sure you're committed to taking good care of your tortoise.

Things You'll Need

  • One or more shallow plastic tubs
  • One or more deep plastic tubs
  • Loam or peat moss
  • Tortoise-safe plants
  • Heat/UVB light source
  • Thermometer
  • Reptile heating pad
  • Calcium supplement
  • Vitamin D3 supplement
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Instructions

    • 1

      Clear a space for your tortoise's habitat. Baby tortoises can be housed in a large aquarium to start, but keep in mind that an adult tortoise will need a habitat measuring at least 3 feet by 8 feet. Make sure there is plenty of ventilation.

    • 2

      Set up your habitat. Use the loam or peat moss as the base substrate for your habitat. Keep in mind that you will need to separate the habitat into moist and dry areas.

    • 3

      Create wet areas for your tortoise on one side of the habitat using one or more of the shallow plastic tubs. The tubs should be deep enough for your tortoise to soak in, but not deep enough to create a risk of drowning. Make sure you build ramps or provide some other way for your tortoise to get in and out of the plastic tubs.

    • 4

      Cut a tortoise-size opening in one of the deep plastic tubs as a door and invert in the habitat to create a walk-in shaded area for your tortoise. Cut a few small holes for ventilation. For variety, you can also create another shady area by planting some tortoise-safe plants in one of the tubs and placing it in the habitat. The temperature in the shaded/cooler areas of the habitat should be kept in the high 70s. If this presents a problem, use the reptile heating pad to help regulate the temperature.

    • 5

      Install a heat/UVB lamp over one of the dry areas of your habitat to create a basking area for your tortoise. The temperature in the basking area should be kept in the low 90s.

    • 6

      Feed your tortoise a mixture of leaves, flowers, greens, vegetables and fruit. Red-footed tortoises also need a source of protein, so once or twice a month you can feed your tortoise worms, crickets, baby mice, shrimp, chicken or a portion of high-quality dog or cat food. You should also provide a calcium and vitamin D3 supplement.

    • 7

      Enjoy your tortoise. Watch it closely and contact your veterinarian immediately if you notice any signs of distress.