Red-footed tortoise (Chelonoidis carbonaria)

Short answers

Red-footed tortoise: How big does the enclosure need to be?

A heated indoor enclosure or greenhouse, at least 3 m² per adult animal; for a group, the Munich reptile rescue centre gives 15–20 m². In summer, an additional secure outdoor enclosure with a heatable shelter house.

Red-footed tortoise: What temperature does it need?

Daytime 26–30 °C, basking spot 32–36 °C, at night 22–24 °C.

Red-footed tortoise: Does it need UVB lighting?

UVB: Essential.

Red-footed tortoise: How long do they live?

Life expectancy: 40–80 years.

Red-footed tortoise: Is it suitable for beginners?

Rather not – it is considered an intermediate species (difficulty: Intermediate).

Climate

Daytime temperature

26–30 °C

Night temperature

22–24 °C

Basking spot

32–36 °C

Humidity

60–80 % (higher at night; keep juveniles permanently humid)

UVB

Essential

Enclosure

Minimum size

a heated indoor enclosure or greenhouse, at least 3 m² per adult animal; for a group, the Munich reptile rescue centre gives 15–20 m². In summer, an additional secure outdoor enclosure with a heatable shelter house.

Substrate

A damp forest-floor or coco and pine-bark mix with leaf litter

Feeding

Food

Omnivorous: wild herbs, vegetables, a fruit share, a little animal food (snails, insects, occasionally wet food)

Feeding interval

juveniles daily, adults 3–4×/week mostly plant-based

Key facts

Adult size

30–40 cm (up to 50 cm)

Life expectancy

40–80 years

Origin

Northern and central South America (tropical)

Protection status

CITES Appendix II / EU Annex B – registration and proof of origin required

Brumation

None (a tropical species, warm and active all year)

Cohabitation

Groups are possible; a bathing basin is essential. Two males harass each other and the females; under constant courtship a female visibly loses condition. One male to several females, and plan for a way to separate them.

Notes

A tropical species – high humidity and a bathing option are essential, otherwise pyramiding follows. Unlike strict herbivores it needs some animal protein.

Do you keep this species?

Add your animal to Reptoria – Reptoria reminds you about feeding and shedding. Add your animal for free →

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Related species

• Chaco tortoise (Chelonoidis chilensis) – Intermediate
• Yellow-footed tortoise (Chelonoidis denticulata) – Intermediate
• Aldabra giant tortoise (Aldabrachelys gigantea) – Expert
• Asian forest tortoise (Manouria emys) – Intermediate to expert
• Burmese star tortoise (Geochelone platynota) – Intermediate
• Forsten's tortoise (Indotestudo forstenii) – Expert
• Elongated tortoise (Indotestudo elongata) – Intermediate
• Gopher tortoise (Gopherus polyphemus) – Expert

All species in the care wiki →

What you need to start

To keep Red-footed tortoise (Chelonoidis carbonaria) you typically need: a suitable enclosure (a heated indoor enclosure or greenhouse, at least 3 m² per adult animal; for a group, the Munich reptile rescue centre gives 15–20 m². In summer, an additional secure outdoor enclosure with a heatable shelter house.), substrate (A damp forest-floor or coco and pine-bark mix with leaf litter), a heat source with a thermostat, UVB lighting, thermometer and hygrometer, a water dish and hides. You will find equipment in the Reptoria marketplace.