Red & Yellow Footed Tortoise Care

The Red-footed Tortoise (Geochelone carbonaria) and the Yellow-footed tortoise (Geochelone denticulata) are native species of South and Central America. Habitats in the wild range from tropical rainforests to dry thorn forest to grasslands. Both species can be found within the same country, often overlapping in habitat types and home ranges.

The Red-footed tortoise is the smaller of the two averaging 10-14 inches, with the Yellow-foot averaging 11-13 inches. While both appear to be the same general size, the Yellow-foot tends to be slightly larger of the two species. Both species follow many of the sexually dimorphic tendencies of other tortoises with males having concave plastrons and longer tails but are unique in that males are “pinched” in the center giving them a peanut-like shape.

As their names imply, Red-Footed tortoises have distinct red markings on all limbs as well as the shell. The Yellow-Footed tortoise can have quite a variety in coloration depending on its home range, with scarlet being the only color not seen. More commonly in the pet trade distinct yellow marking are seen. Both species are CITES Appendix II listed although the Yellow-Foot is Red-Listed as “Vulnerable” and has been given additional protection.

Winter Housing

Unlike our native Desert Tortoise, these tortoises do not hibernate and should be kept in a temperature controlled environment and fed during our winter months. Do not allow the ambient temperature in the enclosure to fall below 70 degrees even at night. These tortoises will need to have a constant water source (a shallow dish or pan) that is big enough for the tortoise to easily enter and drink from. On our warmer winter days, allow the tortoise to be outside once the temperature has risen above 70 degrees during daylight hours, then bring the tortoise into the winter enclosure once the temperature has fallen in the evening.

Summer Housing

The only special care necessary for Red and Yellow-footed tortoises for our summer months is the addition of a constant access to shallow water and additional humidity. Much like box turtles these tortoises do best if their enclosure is heavily planted with plants that are watered daily. Not only with this provide necessary humidity but also shade and cool areas for the hottest summer months.

Diet

Red and Yellow-footed tortoises can be fed much like our native Desert Tortoises with some notable exceptions. As you will note on the lists below, these tortoises may have some fruits two-three times per week, additional vegetables, and should be offered a low-fat high-fiber quality dog food to mimic their natural omnivorous needs. Do not be surprised if you see your tortoise eating grasshopper or worms caught in the enclosure.

Native Plants (Entire plant consumed unless otherwise noted)

  • Arizona Cottontop Grass

  • Bamboo Muhly Grass

  • Blue Grama Grass

  • Buckwheats

  • Cassia

  • Curly Mesquite Grass

  • Deer Grass

  • Desert Four O'Clock

  • Desert Honeysuckle

  • Desert Senna

  • Desert Willow (flowers)

  • Evening Primrose *

  • Fern Acacia (flowers)

  • Globe Mallows *

  • Hibiscus (flowers & leaves)

  • Hoary Abutilon

  • Morning Glory

  • Plantain *

  • Prickly Pear (fruit & new pads)

  • Spurges *

  • Trailing Four O'Clock

  • Vine Mesquite Grass

Acceptable Produce:

  • Barley

  • Bean Sprouts (mung)

  • Beet Greens

  • Bell Peppers (any color)

  • Bok Choy

  • Carrot Greens

  • Cilantro

  • Collard Greens

  • Endive

  • Kale

  • Mustard Greens

  • Parsley

  • Peppers (various)

  • Snow Peas

  • Spinach

  • String Beans

  • Turnip Greens

Acceptable Fruits (2-3 times per week):

  • Kiwi

  • Mango

  • Oranges

  • Pears

  • Raspberries

  • Strawberries

  • Tangerines

  • Tomatoes

Other Healthy Foods:

  • Bluegrass Lawn

  • Cantaloupe Leaves

  • Clover*

  • Dandelion Greens

  • Grape Leaves & Shoots

  • Low-Fat, High-Fiber Canned Dog Food ONE time per week

  • Mix of Alfalfa & Grass (Bermuda or Timothy)

  • Mulberry Leaves*

  • Pumpkin Leaves*

  • Rose Petals*

  • Watercress

  • Zucchini/Squash Leaves

* good for young tortoises/hatchlings

Avoid the Following:

  • All Types of Lettuce

  • Avocado

  • Cabbage

  • Canned/Frozen Vegetables

  • Celery

  • Chinaberry Berries

  • Cucumber

  • Mushrooms

  • Plants in the Nicotiana Genus

  • Starchy Vegetables (like corn)

This care sheet can also be used for kinixys homeana and kinixys erosa.