Red Foot question

Doug Gosney

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Hello all and happy 4th weekend. Building outdoor area for adult Red Foot. I don’t have one yet, but am prepping for one. Build it and they will come. Height of walls? 16” or so? Also, I was thinking about building it among some trees but have read that Red Foots are expert climbers and can climb trees? I don’t want them climbing part way up a tree and then falling / injuring themselves. Appreciate any thoughts! Thanks. Doug
 

Tom

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Hello all and happy 4th weekend. Building outdoor area for adult Red Foot. I don’t have one yet, but am prepping for one. Build it and they will come. Height of walls? 16” or so? Also, I was thinking about building it among some trees but have read that Red Foots are expert climbers and can climb trees? I don’t want them climbing part way up a tree and then falling / injuring themselves. Appreciate any thoughts! Thanks. Doug
I'd go at least 18 inches with the walls for an adult. If the tree is at an angle and has some type of really rough bark that will allow a foot hold, it is physically possible for the tortoise to climb up a ways, but I have never seen a single picture of a RF up a tree. I have trees in many of my enclosures, and none of my tortoises have ever tried to climb one, and that includes Russian tortoises which are notorious for climbing.
 

Doug Gosney

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Houston
I'd go at least 18 inches with the walls for an adult. If the tree is at an angle and has some type of really rough bark that will allow a foot hold, it is physically possible for the tortoise to climb up a ways, but I have never seen a single picture of a RF up a tree. I have trees in many of my enclosures, and none of my tortoises have ever tried to climb one, and that includes Russian tortoises which are notorious for climbing.
Great - thanks very much. Appreciate it.
 

ZEROPILOT

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The majority of the REDFOOT enclosures I've had over the years had at least one tree inside of it. I use them for the shade that they provide naturally.
I've never seen a single RF attempt to climb a tree. And adult RF rarely climb at all. Just don't have a wall within 20" or so near a tree because some frisky RF will wedge themselves into a gap and then use that as a means for escape.
ESPECIALLY if they can see the outside world through gaps in the enclosure of if it's a male that smells a female around.

Most happy, solo RF are pretty happy just to hang out in their territory 24/7.
 

Doug Gosney

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Jul 3, 2022
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Location (City and/or State)
Houston
I'd go at least 18 inches with the walls for an adult. If the tree is at an angle and has some type of really rough bark that will allow a foot hold, it is physically possible for the tortoise to climb up a ways, but I have never seen a single picture of a RF up a tree. I have trees in many of my enclosures, and none of my tortoises have ever tried to climb one, and that includes Russian tortoises which are notorious for climbing.
The majority of the REDFOOT enclosures I've had over the years had at least one tree inside of it. I use them for the shade that they provide naturally.
I've never seen a single RF attempt to climb a tree. And adult RF rarely climb at all. Just don't have a wall within 20" or so near a tree because some frisky RF will wedge themselves into a gap and then use that as a means for escape.
ESPECIALLY if they can see the outside world through gaps in the enclosure of if it's a male that smells a female around.

Most happy, solo RF are pretty happy just to hang out in their territory 24/7.
Thanks everyone for your responses. Greatly appreciated. Does anyone have a breeder recommendation in Texas where I could get an adult Red Foot? This is a great forum by the way. I had turtles / tortoises all the time when I was a kid - before forums (or the internet) existed! I live in Houston but would travel extensively to get / buy an adult full sized Red Foot. Thank you!
 

ZEROPILOT

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Thanks everyone for your responses. Greatly appreciated. Does anyone have a breeder recommendation in Texas where I could get an adult Red Foot? This is a great forum by the way. I had turtles / tortoises all the time when I was a kid - before forums (or the internet) existed! I live in Houston but would travel extensively to get / buy an adult full sized Red Foot. Thank you!
Try a wanted ad in your local CRAIGSLIST.
Most un loved tortoises are adults.
Most breeders sell babies or sub adults.

The Breeder that I myself reccomend is SOUTHERN REPTILES out of south Florida (local to me)
He's also a member here
@Southernreptiles
 

Doug Gosney

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Sorry - one more question. Getting habitat set up outside. Live in Houston so great Tortoise weather pretty much year round , but some cold December/January nights. Looking at heated pet houses both pre made and DIY. Many heated cat houses look like they could work with a ramp , but the heat is in the form of a heated blanket - not ambient - so not sure if that works? Appreciate any words of wisdom on heated tortoise house solutions. Thanks!
 

ZEROPILOT

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Sorry - one more question. Getting habitat set up outside. Live in Houston so great Tortoise weather pretty much year round , but some cold December/January nights. Looking at heated pet houses both pre made and DIY. Many heated cat houses look like they could work with a ramp , but the heat is in the form of a heated blanket - not ambient - so not sure if that works? Appreciate any words of wisdom on heated tortoise house solutions. Thanks!
Look at my short YOUTUBE video titled REDFOOT HABITAT FLORIDA STYLE.
And look at my heated night boxes just for Redfoot.
They are Home Depot composting boxes containing a single 60 watt CHE. These do a great job of keeping the night temperature tolerable for all but the coldest nights (in the warmer states)
These run on timers from the end of November through February
 

Yvonne G

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Welcome to the Forum, Doug!
 

Doug Gosney

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Thank you! Glad to be here. I have been asking lots of Red Foot questions and folks have been very helpful. Much appreciated
 
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