Chapter 4 of 9 · Red-Footed Tortoise Care Guide
Handling and Behavior
Disclaimer: I'm not a veterinarian and I don't hold a degree in animal science or animal care. This guide is compiled from the published sources listed in every chapter. For a sick animal, a reptile vet is the authority.
The short version
- Red-foots are curious and usually tolerant of people [2]. Many learn to walk up to their keeper at feeding time.
- Even so, tortoises are easily stressed by too much handling. Keep handling to soaks and health checks [1][2].
- Lift with two hands under the shell, low over a soft surface. Never by a leg, never flipped, never carried by children [1].
- Red-foots never hibernate. Keep heat and light on all year [3].
- If you keep more than one, give each extra adult about 16 sq ft (1.5 m²) and watch for bullying [1][4].
Temperament
Red-foots are curious, active and social with their keepers. Many learn who feeds them and come over to greet you. Supervised floor time in a warm, tortoise-proofed room is a great way to interact and gives your tortoise extra exercise.
Handling
Although red-foots are friendly, tortoises in general dislike handling and are easily stressed when handled too much [1][2]. Keep handling to what is needed: moving it for a soak or a health check.
- Lift with two hands under the shell, low over a soft surface.
- Never lift by a leg, and never flip or drop your tortoise.
- Do not let children carry a tortoise. Let them sit on the floor and watch it walk to them instead.
- Wash your hands afterward; see the Health chapter.
Living with other tortoises
Red-foots are often kept in pairs or small groups. Add about 16 sq ft (1.5 m²) of floor space for each extra adult [1][4]. Watch for bullying at the food dish, and separate any tortoise that is being pushed off food or bitten.
Males may bite females' heads, necks and legs during courtship, and a persistent biter should be separated. See the Breeding chapter for more on groups and courtship.
No hibernation
Red-foots are tropical and should never be hibernated or brumated [3]. Some slow down a little in cooler months [2], but a cold spell does not give them a healthy rest. Keepers widely report that chilled red-foots are prone to respiratory infection. Keep nights at or above 68°F (20°C) [1]. Do not cool a red-foot down for winter the way you might a Russian tortoise.