Red-footed Tortoise - Captive Care

Captive Care

Red-footed tortoises are popular pet tortoises around the world. They are relatively inexpensive, are a manageable size, have interesting personalities, and are colorful. Pet tortoises should be purchased as 'captive bred' from a reliable breeder when possible to both help protect wild populations and to avoid internal parasites.

Any reptile can carry Salmonella, so keepers should practice proper hygiene, such as washing their hands after handling the animals or their wastes. Dogs, even well-behaved dogs, often attack or chew on tortoises so great care must be taken if they are around.