Care sheet
Red-footed Tortoise
Chelonoidis carbonarius
Testudinidae ยท Testudines
- Activity
- โ๏ธ Diurnal
- Temperament
- Hands-off
- Adult length
- 10โ14 in
- Lifespan (captivity)
- 30โ50 yrs
- Native range
- Northern & central South America โ humid forest edge and savanna
Care guide
Overview
Red-footed Tortoise (Chelonoidis carbonarius) โ a colorful, personable South American tortoise that, unlike Mediterranean species, needs higher humidity and eats some fruit and animal protein alongside greens. Does not hibernate.
Environment
Climate
Environment
UVB lighting
Housing
Enclosure
- HatchlingNot specified
- JuvenileNot specified
- AdultMin 4x8 ft floor (larger/outdoor preferred); humid, planted, humid hide
Housing
Substrate
Nutrition
Diet & feeding
- AdultDaily: greens/weeds base + fruit + occasional protein (unusual for a tortoise)
Calcium dusting; broadleaf greens and weeds base, some fruit, and small amounts of animal protein.
Care
Water & behavior
Shallow water pan always available; soak juveniles regularly.
Soak hatchlings/juveniles 2-3x weekly; enjoys higher humidity than Mediterranean tortoises.
Legal & ecology
Conservation
CITES Appendix II; IUCN commonly reported Vulnerable (verify current assessment). One of few tortoises that eats some animal protein and fruit; needs humidity, unlike arid species.
Citations
Sources
Every husbandry parameter on this page is backed by the references below. Click through to read the originals.
- Chelonoidis carbonarius โ species accountacademic
Animal Diversity Web, U. Michigan
South American range, omnivorous/frugivorous diet, humidity needs.
Published: 2020-01-01
- government
Listed on CITES Appendix II.
Published: 2019-01-01
- Red-footed Tortoise Care Sheetbreeder community
ReptiFiles (Mariah Healey)
Enclosure size, humidity, basking, UVB, mixed omnivore diet.
Published: 2022-01-01