red footed tortoise
Meet Miss Maple
Maple is a red-foot tortoise who was born in Florida and made the move to Virginia with the rest of us. Red-foot tortoises are known for their colorful orange and red markings on their legs and heads, and they’re native to the rainforests of South America. While they’re typically found in warmer climates, owning one up north comes with its challenges. These tortoises need consistent warmth, humidity, and a tropical environment to thrive—so getting their housing situation “just right” in Virginia’s cooler climate has been a bit of an adjustment. From maintaining proper heat and humidity levels to providing UVB lighting for their health, it takes some effort to recreate the conditions they’re used to. But with the right setup, Maple’s still living her best slow-and-steady life!
As for how big we expect Maple to get, red-foot tortoises usually reach about 10-16 inches in length and can weigh between 10-20 pounds when fully grown. They grow slowly, so it may take several years for Maple to reach her full size. Even though they don’t grow as large as some other tortoise species, their slow pace of growth means we’ll have plenty of time to enjoy watching her grow at her own speed.
Red-footed tortoises are known for their friendly and social nature, which makes them stand out among other tortoise species. Unlike some more solitary tortoises, red-footed tortoises are often curious and enjoy being around people. They are known to interact with their owners and may even follow them around or greet them when they approach. According to some sources, this social behavior may be due to their natural habitat in the rainforests of South America, where they are accustomed to a variety of stimuli and interactions with other animals.
Because of their calm temperament and willingness to engage with their caretakers, red-footed tortoises make great pets. They are not as shy as some other tortoise species and often form bonds with their owners over time.
Some FAqs
A little info about this breed
Here are some interesting facts about the red-footed tortoise breed:
Mating and Reproduction: Red-footed tortoises reach sexual maturity at around 10-12 years old. Females lay eggs, which they bury in a nest and then leave to incubate.
Native Habitat: Red-footed tortoises are native to the rainforests and dry forests of South America, particularly in countries like Brazil, Guyana, Venezuela, and Suriname. They thrive in warm, humid environments with plenty of foliage for shelter.
Distinctive Appearance: These tortoises are easily recognizable by their colorful orange and red markings on their legs, head, and sometimes their shell. Their shell tends to be dark with a slightly smooth texture, and their feet are a vibrant red or orange.
Size and Growth: Red-footed tortoises generally grow to be about 10-16 inches in length and can weigh between 10-20 pounds when fully mature. They grow slowly, taking several years to reach their full size.
Diet: They are omnivores, meaning they eat a variety of plants, fruits, and insects. Their diet includes leafy greens, flowers, and even small amounts of protein, such as earthworms and insects.
Social and Friendly: Unlike many other tortoise species, red-footed tortoises are known to be social and curious. They often enjoy interacting with their owners and may follow them around. They are relatively friendly and can become accustomed to human presence over time.
Lifespan: Red-footed tortoises can live for 50 years or more in captivity if provided with proper care, making them a long-term commitment for owners.
Slow but Steady: As a species, red-footed tortoises are known for their slow pace. However, they are active during the day and will roam around their enclosures in search of food and shelter.
Temperature and Humidity Needs: These tortoises need a warm and humid environment to thrive, with temperatures ranging from 75°F to 95°F and humidity levels around 70% to 80%. They require a well-structured habitat that mimics their natural environment, including hiding spots and access to fresh water.
Not as Nocturnal: Unlike some other tortoise species, red-footed tortoises are more active during the day, which makes them easier to observe and interact with.
What “Farm” Purpose Does She Serve?
Absolutely none! Our tortoises are strictly pets, we do not breed them either. My husband jokingly refers to our tortoises as “moving rocks.” I see them as much more than that and absolutely love watching them scoot around their enclosures and munch on their food. They have unique little quirks, and their habits fascinate me. I love my “not-so-little” tortoises.
*Tortoise Care Disclaimer*
Quick disclaimer for anyone thinking about getting a tortoise: they are by far the most challenging pets I’ve ever owned (and trust me, I’ve had a lot of animals over the years). You might be thinking, ‘How hard can it really be?’ Well, aside from the significant financial investment in the right lights, enclosure, and setup, their care needs to be spot on (or as close as you can get). If it isn’t, you risk exposing them to numerous health issues. Even worse, some well-intentioned but poorly informed decisions early on can lead to lifelong, irreversible consequences for your tortoise.
For me, the hardest part of their care is maintaining the proper humidity levels in their enclosure—it honestly feels like rocket science! The humidity must be just right, and they also need very specific and varied temperatures throughout their enclosure. If these conditions don’t meet their needs, they’re at risk of developing upper respiratory infections. I know this firsthand—one of mine got an infection, and I had to make a trip to the vet to get it treated. If you are ok with the high level of care they will require, they are a rewarding pet. But if you are looking for a pet you simply throw some food, this is not the right pet for you or your family.