Some FAqs

A little info about this breed

Native Habitat: They are found in the humid tropical forests of the Amazon Basin, including countries like Brazil, Peru, Ecuador, and Colombia.

Diet: Yellow-footed tortoises are omnivores, feeding on a diverse diet that includes fruits, vegetables, leaves, flowers, and occasionally small invertebrates. They require both protein and plant-based foods to thrive. Based on what I have on hand, Lola enjoys a variety of foods, including:

• Greens: Collard greens, kale, dandelion leaves, and romaine lettuce (in moderation).
• Vegetables: Squash, cactus pads, carrot, and sweet potato.
• Fruits: Various berries, banana (in moderation), and hibiscus flowers.
• Protein: Hard-boiled egg, cooked salmon or tuna, and occasionally worms when I can catch them. She can also eat baby mice, but I have yet to try that.
• Supplements: Lola also gets Repti Calcium powder sprinkled on her food occasionally, along with crushed, cooked eggshells for added calcium.

Additionally, I include Mazuri Tortoise Food (LS Version) as part of her diet for balanced nutrition. This variety ensures she gets the nutrients she needs while keeping her meals interesting!

Behavior: They are diurnal, being most active during the day and resting at night.

Reproduction: Females lay 4-6 eggs per clutch, with an incubation period of 4-6 months.

Sexual Maturity: They reach sexual maturity around 10 years of age.

Social Behavior: The yellow-foot tortoise is not always as personable as the red-foot tortoises. They can be kept in groups of other yellow footed or redfoot tortoises (who have the same diets). I keep Lola housed with one red foot tortoise named “Maple.” As of right now, they sleep together and typically only get annoyed over the food bowl (so we now put out 2 bowls to keep them from fighting over one). We will keep them housed together unless their attitude towards one another changes. They are also both females (that was intentional).

Conservation Status: Listed as Vulnerable by the IUCN due to habitat destruction, hunting, and illegal trade.

Role in Ecosystem: They play a crucial role in seed dispersal, helping to maintain the health of the rainforest ecosystem.

Temperature Regulation: They rely on environmental temperatures to regulate their body heat, often seeking shade or water to cool down. I strive to keep their day time humidity level at 80% and ambient temperature around 79F. Basking temperature is between 90F to 95F.

• 1. UV Light: Tortoises need UVB lighting to synthesize vitamin D3, which is critical for calcium absorption and preventing metabolic bone disease. Without it, their shells and bones can become soft and deformed. A UVB bulb should be on for 10–12 hours a day, and it’s especially important for indoor tortoises.
• 2. Ceramic Heat Lamp: A ceramic heat emitter (CHE) provides consistent heat without emitting light, making it ideal for maintaining nighttime temperatures. Tortoises, like most reptiles, need warmth to regulate their metabolism and digestion, so having a CHE is essential if temperatures drop too low at night.
• 3. Heat Lamp: A heat lamp is crucial for creating a basking spot. Tortoises are cold-blooded and rely on external heat sources to warm up and digest food. The basking spot should be at the proper temperature for your species (e.g., 90–95°F for red-footed tortoises).
• 4. Fogger: This is a controversial topic as the fogger will help to keep the humidity up. However, if the Fogger is not properly maintained/cleaned, the tortoise is at risk of getting an URI (Upper Respiratory Infection). I did not use a fogger when I lived in Florida. However, since moving to Virginia, I use a fogger indoors – in the winter. I also keep ample amounts of Sphagnum moss in the enclosure and regularly spray the habitat with a misting bottle, to help the substrate retain humidity levels. This is a balancing act and I am very active about cleaning the fogger. I also put a Tortoise Safe Water chemical in the fogger to treat the water and only use filtered water.

Growth: Their shell grows continuously throughout their life, though the rate slows significantly after reaching maturity.

Communication: They use visual signals and body language, especially during mating.

Predators: Juveniles are more vulnerable to predators like birds of prey, while adults have fewer natural predators due to their size and hard shell.

Adaptability: They are well-adapted to life in dense, humid forests and can tolerate a range of environmental conditions.

Legal Protection: They are protected under CITES Appendix II, which regulates their trade to prevent over-exploitation.