hi all, this is my first post and my first tortoise. im located in the u.k and will be getting a redfoot tortoise within the next month or so. i have read that a tortoise table is the best option for a tortoise but i have other animals such as cats and wouldnt want the redfoot to get into contact with them. i have a viv a the moment and was wondering if i was to drill several holes about 30mm diameter would this then help with ventalation and temperatures? also could you piont me in the direction to buy the bulbs from as i'd rather take your word for the uvb bulbs and basking lamps rather than the petshop. same with substrate.
many thanks
steven.

i have just noticed that some people house there tortoises in rabbit cages. would this be ok with a redfoot, i know they like high humidity.

thanks again

steven

Hi Steven,

Tortoises have their own specific species-related husbandry requirements and we should endeavour whenever possible to replicate their natural environment. Redfoots are a difficult species to keep bearing in mind they come from an environment that is completely alien to the UK. When planning enclosures for juvenile and hatchling redfoots it is advisable to make early provisions for the extra space they will require as they grow. Redfoots are a non-hibernating species and whilst over-wintering juvenile or hatchling redfoots may not be a problem, long-term consideration should be given to the space required and expense of heating the required space for this relatively large species of tortoise during the cold winter months. When adults, this will involve heating a greenhouse or outhouse, which can be very costly. Redfoots originate from a Tropical Rainforest climate with a very high humidity of around 70% - 80%, so generally tend to do better in a high-humidity environment. Failure to meet these requirements has been known to cause eye, ear, skin and respiratory problems.

thanks for the reply, i bought the viv from tortoisecentre and just found out that it doubles as a table. i decided to go for a redfoot because they dont hibernate, i would tend to worry leaving a animal so long without care, i know that its natural but still thats me. ive done alot of research into the redfoots and they seem to be the best tortoise for me, even though i was told that they are easy enough to care for?
any advise that you have for me would be greatfully recieved
many thanks
steven

Hi Steven,

I wouldn't say they are easy to care for, they require care all-year round as they don't hibernate. The problem with exotic tortoises is the over-wintering. Redfoots attain a very good size and to provide a heated area large enough for them to enjoy, so's not to compromise their space to roam around in through the long winters we have here, can work out extremely expensive. Ideally anyone who takes on a Redfoot should look to the future and ask themselves whether they can and are prepared to offer the space and go to this expense to eventually house an Adult?
If you would still like to keep a Redfoot, I would definitely look to purchase from a UK Breeder and would steer clear of pet shops, including the Tortoise Centre. Many Redfoots imported into the UK arrive dehydrated, with worm infestations and health problems. Unfortunately, Redfoots don't require licenses and some pet shops/dealers will tell you they are UK Bred when they are in fact not  .

There is a list of UK Breeders here:-
http://www.tortoise-protection-group.org.uk/site/70.asp

Please let us know how you get on

HTH
Kindest Regards

Darren

thanks darren, i'm not buying the redfoot from the tortoise centre just the viv. which is 3 foot. this will only be whilst the red is still small then i will be relocating it to a larger area something in the range of 6 foot. my local pet shop has a local uk breeder which breeds reds and horsefields, and he seems to know his way around the tortoise scene pretty well. as this is my first tortoise im getting as many views and opinions as possible, because i want to do it right. once im set up and running ill take some photos and put them on here to see what you guys think.
would holes in the viv benifit the circulation?
also can any recommend a vet in the nottinghamshire area?
i have printed of your care sheet and will follow it to the best of my ability.
thanks again
steven

p.s could you tell me where i could get the haar synth hydro meter from as i cannot find one anywhere

Hi, here is a link to Kimbo's reptile supplies and hygrometer http://www.kimbosreptileworld.co.uk/dial-hair-hygrometer-p-77.html

I would try and make sure that the Redfoot is uk bred, its unusual for petshops to recommend UK breeders.

Cant wait to see pics, Regards Vivienne

thanks for the link, ones on the way, ill have the viv set up a couple weeks before i get the red to make sure all the temperuters and humidity is correct. ill get some pics up of it as soon as its done should be within the next three weeks

just thought id pop an update on about yoda's new home. currently waiting on the cypres substrate, hydrometer and bits then it will be up and running. the place i got the viv from gave me aspen snake bedding and a night light insted of the basking light! useless! and i quote "perfect for a redfoot"
ive drilled a couple of holes in the cooler side and removed a large peice of the back pannel to have a good temp gradient. seems to be working. pics to follow soon.
p.s what would you recomend for keeping up the temp at night. i though a ceramic bulb coupled with a thermostat?
thanks
steven.

Hi Steven, yes if the temps are too low at night, a ceramic bulb on a thermostat is a good idea.

Vivienne