Re: Do red foots make good pets?

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Posted by karen on February 05, 1999 at 11:42:15:

In Reply to: Do red foots make good pets? posted by Snakehead on February 05, 1999 at 10:52:18:

I keep several different species of tortoise including red foots. They do make good pets. However, if you are thinking of starting with a hatchling, they can be fairly delicate and seem to be much more sensitive to humidity requirements than adults. It might be better to start with an older captive bred red foot.
As far as substrate, I feel rabbit pellets are too dry for the humidity requirements of red foots. I use rabbit pellets for my Russian and leopard, tortoises which like a dry environment. But I use sterilized bark chips for tortoises which require high humidity (red foots, hingebacks). The bark chips can help you maintain a higher humidity level. I mist the cages frequently also. With rabbit pellets, misting causes them to break down and form clumps.
If you provide a large enough enclosure, proper lighting and heating, and proper humidity, you should be able to keep a red foot indoors. However, when the weather is nice, any tortoise enjoys being outside for a while. Just be sure they are properly protected against any predator or anything which could harm them.
-Karen

: Hello
: I am thinking about getting a baby red footed tortoise. I have a few questions:
: Does anyone know of where I could find a good care sheet?
: Also, is it possible to keep them indoors most of the time without much trouble? From what I read about them they grow fom 10 to 12 inches, which is not too large. I had been considering a Leopard tort, but they are a definite NO for keeping indoors.

: How delicate are they? I've heard bad things about rainforest torts in general, but this will be captive bred...

: and finally-- what do you guys feed your redfoots? And would rabbit pellets be okay for a substrate?
: Thanks

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: I keep several different species of tortoise including red foots. They do make good pets. However, if you are thinking of starting with a hatchling, they can be fairly delicate and seem to be much more sensitive to humidity requirements than adults. It might be better to start with an older captive bred red foot. : As far as substrate, I feel rabbit pellets are too dry for the humidity requirements of red foots. I use rabbit pellets for my Russian and leopard, tortoises which like a dry environment. But I use sterilized bark chips for tortoises which require high humidity (red foots, hingebacks). The bark chips can help you maintain a higher humidity level. I mist the cages frequently also. With rabbit pellets, misting causes them to break down and form clumps. : If you provide a large enough enclosure, proper lighting and heating, and proper humidity, you should be able to keep a red foot indoors. However, when the weather is nice, any tortoise enjoys being outside for a while. Just be sure they are properly protected against any predator or anything which could harm them. : -Karen : : Hello : : I am thinking about getting a baby red footed tortoise. I have a few questions: : : Does anyone know of where I could find a good care sheet? : : Also, is it possible to keep them indoors most of the time without much trouble? From what I read about them they grow fom 10 to 12 inches, which is not too large. I had been considering a Leopard tort, but they are a definite NO for keeping indoors. : : How delicate are they? I've heard bad things about rainforest torts in general, but this will be captive bred... : : and finally-- what do you guys feed your redfoots? And would rabbit pellets be okay for a substrate? : : Thanks

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