Red-Footed Tortoise Care Guide

Enclosure Size

Red-footed tortoises need plenty of space to move around. A good rule of thumb for enclosure size is:

• Length: 8x the tortoise’s adult size

• Width: 4x the adult size

• Height: 2x the adult size

For an average adult (12-18 inches long), the minimum space required is:

• Indoor (temporary): 8x4 ft

• Outdoor (preferred): At least 32-72 sq ft

Tip: Buy from a breeder to estimate how large your tortoise will grow.

Indoor vs. Outdoor Housing

• Outdoor enclosures are best, with shade, sunlight, and well-draining soil.

• Walls should be 2 ft high and buried at least 12 inches to prevent escapes.

• Cover the top with mesh to keep out predators.

• If winters are too cold, provide an 8x4 ft indoor setup for temporary housing.

Avoid open-top enclosures (like tortoise tables) indoors because they make it hard to keep humidity high.

Multiple Tortoises?

• They can live alone or in groups.

• If keeping more than one, add 16 sq ft per extra tortoise and provide hiding spots.

• Avoid housing multiple tortoises indoors unless you have lots of space.

Lighting & UVB

Red-footed tortoises need UVB light to stay healthy. If kept outdoors, they get this naturally from the sun. Indoors, you’ll need:

UVB Lamp Options

• Arcadia T5 HO 6% or Zoo Med T5 HO 5.0 (11-17” away)

• Arcadia T5 HO 12% or Zoo Med T5 HO 10.0 (17-25” away)

• Use a reflective fixture and place it on the warm side of the enclosure.

Tip: Use a Solarmeter 6.5 to check UVB strength (UVI 2.0-3.0 at the basking spot).

Daylight

• Use a 6500K grow light to mimic natural daylight, especially if you have live plants.

• Good options: Bio Dude Solar Grow or Arcadia JungleDawn LED Bar.

Temperature & Heating

Tortoises regulate body temperature by moving between warm and cool areas.

Temperature Guide

• Basking area: 90-95°F (32-35°C)

• Cool side: 75-85°F (24-29°C)

• Nighttime: 68-75°F (20-23°C)

Heat Source:

• Use 2-4 halogen heat bulbs (75w each) placed 12” above the basking spot.

• At night, use a radiant heat panel or ceramic heat emitter if temps drop too low.

• Use digital thermometers to monitor temperatures on both sides of the enclosure.

Humidity & Hydration

Red-footed tortoises need 70-90% humidity for healthy skin and shell growth.

How to maintain humidity:
✔ Mist the enclosure 2-3 times a day (manual or automatic misting system).
✔ Add a humid hide with damp moss or leaf litter.
✔ Run a humidifier at night (use distilled water & clean regularly).
✔ Provide a shallow water dish for soaking and drinking.

Substrate (Flooring)

Use a moisture-retaining, organic mix at least 4 inches deep indoors and 12 inches outdoors.

Good options:
✔ DIY mix: 40% topsoil, 40% coconut fiber, 20% sand
✔ Commercial options: Zoo Med Eco Earth, Reptisoil, or Exo Terra Plantation Soil
✔ Add leaf litter on top for enrichment.

Cleaning: Remove waste daily and replace indoor substrate every 3-6 months.

Enclosure Enrichment

A boring enclosure can stress your tortoise! Add:
✔ Hiding spots (logs, caves, leaf piles)
✔ Rocks & branches for climbing
✔ Live plants (check The Tortoise Table for safe options)
✔ Mud puddles – they love them!

Diet & Feeding

Red-footed tortoises eat 90% plants and 10% protein.

What to Feed

✔ Fruits, Flowers & Leaves (55%)

• Bananas, berries, mango, papaya, tomatoes, dandelions, hibiscus, lettuce, grape leaves

✔ Grasses & Vegetables (35%)

• Hay, Mazuri Tortoise Diet, Repashy Grassland Grazer, squash, carrots, sweet potatoes

✔ Proteins & Mushrooms (10%)

• Earthworms, dubia roaches, snails, cooked eggs, wet cat food, mushrooms

Tip: Offer food on a plate to prevent substrate ingestion.

Supplements

• Calcium: Provide a cuttlebone in the enclosure.

• Vitamins: Lightly dust food with Repashy Superveggie.

• Color Boost: Optional Repashy Superpig for enhanced coloration.

Handling & Interaction

Red-footed tortoises don’t like handling but may enjoy:
✔ Gentle shell rubs
✔ Hand-feeding treats

Handling tips:
✔ Scoop from below (not above) to avoid scaring them.
✔ Support the shell and legs with both hands.
✔ Always wash hands before and after touching your tortoise.