redfoot

[dnarra]

hi can anyone please give some information on redfoot tortoise as we thinking of getting one. the right temp,housing,feeding everything really thanks.

[piglet]

Dnarra
Go into search type in redfoot you will get all the answers you need

D

[dnarra]

hi ya went on there cant really find out what they eat

[nina]

I don't keep redfoots, but here's an article from the Tortoise Trust site:
http://www.tortoisetrust.org/article..._redfoots.html

[piglet]

OK diet is very different to Mediterranean and grassland tortoises, of course its still very high in vegetable matter but reds do require protein in there diet as well as mixed fruits, they are classed as omnivorous tortoises.
Redfoots have a faster digestive tract along with yellowfoots, elongated and hinge backs compared to most other species so by feeding a high fibre weed diet which takes a great deal of time to break down to extract the nutrients from it you are not allowing the tortoise the nutritional value it needs, now weeds are a good part of a reds diet but other foods must be offered as well these consist of fruits and animal protein and some mushrooms or even tortoise pellets .
I would recommend a diet rich in leafy greens for mainly bulk feed rather than a nutritional feed around 70%,added to this mix in fruit around 30% of what ever is available is OK but try to use natural fruits for young animals such as blackberries,raspberries etc
Papaya is good its low in sugars and high in vits and mins also blueberries are relished and again a very healthy addition to the diet.
Also veg in the form of cooked sweet potato and raw courgette instead of fruit mix and match to vary it as best you can.
Mushrooms can also be fed a few times a week just small amounts as they contain little nutrition and reds get addicted to them.
Now protein this is essential for good health in redfoots it can be fed in various forms from mealworms to cooked chicken meat, but the the easiest way is to hydrate a few cat biscuits once a week ,for tiny hatchlings just one biscuit will do and add to this as the animal grows.
Remembe to adda good vit/min supplement daily
Darren

[dnarra]

thanks piglet.do i have to give them fruit one day then veg another.

[piglet]

Its up too you they are just options to choose from .

D

hi

you aim for the weeks diet to be 70% weeds 30 %fruit and occasional protein

you can do this how you want really as long as the balance is correct over the week

[dnarra]

there really loads to keeping tortoise. think we might stick with snakes and dog haha.

[niamherrity]

Unless you are willing to hunt for weeds, Check temps, use supplements, check weights, build indoor and outdoor housing You should stick to snakes and dogs. torts live a long time so you really need to be dedicated to them