Facts:
The scientific name for the Red Foot Tortoise is Chelonoidis carbonanria. The species name carbonanria means "coal like" , their legs appear to be dark coal with the glowing patches. They originate from the central and northern parts of South America and Central America. There are recognizable differences between regions. We will be addressing generalizations but will provide links to the specific regional Red Foot Tortoises. It is reported there are 5 to 7 different variations depending on location.
Description:
The Red Foot Tortoises come from central and northern South America and from Central America. They are a medium size tortoise that vary in size depending on the region where they are found. The tortoise has a top shell called a Carapace, it is an elongated loaf shape. There are growth rings in the scutes. The centers are generally lighter yellow to reddish orange with a darker ring.They are fairly highly domed and smooth with a rather flat back. The Plastron or bottom shell is pale yellow with darker markings. Their skin and scales are darker with the noted reddish to orange spots. This is a generalization as there are regional differences as well as individual variations in color and the shape of their shell. The average adults are 12-14 inches, but giants can be found from 18 to 20 inches weighing over 60 pounds. Further information can be found at the sites below.
Environment:
Heat, light, and humidity must be kept within proper guidelines for healthy tortoises. Generally environmental temperatures are 85*F- 86 °F rarely get lower than 68 °F or over 95 °F, Plenty of regional rainfall provides the high humidity they need to thrive although some of the areas can get quite dry. Most of the range experiences cooler wet seasons and warmer dry seasons.Red-footed tortoises can be found in forest clearings, wood edges, or along waterways. More on the regional variations can be found at the sites below.
Diet and supplements:
The diet of the Red Foot Tortoise diet is as varied as the region it is from. Greens should be high in calcium and low in phosphorus. Calcium supplement can be safety offered as cuddle bones the tortoise will chew when it needs calcium rather than to add it to their food.
Reproduction:
Mating occurs in the wet season of April and May though it is not limited to those months and can happen anytime. Red Foots start to breed when they are 6 to 8 inches long though the early clutches may not be fertile. They lay anywhere from 2 to 7 eggs in a clutch but can lay multiple clutches a year. The eggs hatch in about 150 days though it can be in as little as 105 days or as high as 202 day.
handling:
As with handling of all turtles and tortoise's, care and consideration should be taken for their comfort and safety The following link addresses all aspects of handling.
common problems:
MBD
Respiratory Infections.
Penal prolapse.
Shell Rot.
Eye and ear infections.
Internal and external parasites.
Empty gut syndrome.
Pyramidal Growth.
Respiratory Infections.
Penal prolapse.
Shell Rot.
Eye and ear infections.
Internal and external parasites.
Empty gut syndrome.
Pyramidal Growth.
The information presented here, and so much more can be found on the following sites.
Tortiose Yard
Habitat
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Red Foot Diet
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