I just can't decide: leopard or redfoot?

[FLGirl41]

Hi everyone, I've posted a bit here and there on the forum. I am having such a hard time making a final decision on which tort species to go with! Can you all give me your insight? I live in northcentral Florida, and I have a house with a large (50x150 foot) fenced yard. I love larger species, and would really love a sulcata but it's just not practical for me at this time to get one due to their size and destructive abilities. I keep fluctuating between leopards and redfoots (also I think Greeks and Hermanns are nice, but I'm looking for something larger). So really it comes down to leopard vs. redfoot.

Although both are beautiful, I do love the look of leopards especially. I'd also prefer something that will be personable. We get a bit cold in the winter, and I have some indoor space to temporarily house one or two torts but will also happily construct a heated shed in the yard for their use.

So I suppose my dilemma is... Two redfoots (which would probably slowly increase to a colony ) or two leopards?

Edit: Or one leopard?

 

[Redstrike]

Florida is a great climate for redfoots!

 

[dcwolfe]

I love leopards and it never gets old to watch them grow because u never know what color might come in each month.

 

[theelectraco]

I have a Redfoot and love them!

 

[FLGirl41]

Haha, it's clear there is strong support on both sides! Is there a huge difference in personalities between the two species? I've heard that, in general, leopards are a bit more shy than redfoots. I'm just hoping for a species that is interactive, i.e. will walk over to me for food or a pat.

 

[Redstrike]

I can't speak for leopards but most redfoots are quite curious and interactive. They all have their own personalities though and if you get a hatchling of either species it will be relatively shy for the first year or two. Bite-sized torts & turtles like to hide.

 

[kjr153]

Sulcata

 

[LeopardTortLover]

One leopard! Two may cause problems. But if you can separate them, two leopards!

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I love leopards and it never gets old to watch them grow because u never know what color might come in each month.

Massively agree! I think mine is in a white phase at the moment. Also she is very interactive and not too shy. Will walk all over me if she had to.

 

[immayo]

It's really all personal preference, I mean redfoots have amazing skin coloring and leopards have awesome shells! If you want to have a few in the future redfoots are known for doing very well in groups. I personally am bias towards redfoots since I have had my little guy for a year and am about to add another. Do you know if you will be looking for a hatchling or adult?

 

[mainey34]

Redfoot, they are the best. You will love their personalities.

 

[theelectraco]

If you're looking to have two, Redfoots would be the better choice.

 

[danosaurous]

I have three redfoots and love them SO much! I highly recommend them, so personable

 

[Logan J]

Love my red her name is LJ

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[Tom]

A redfoot will do better in your climate, and generally speaking they are more outgoing than a typical leopard.

Some people in humid climates have trouble keeping leopards healthy as outdoor housed adults.

 

[abclements]

I too am for the red foots! They're awesome and really pretty! A colony of rf would be awesome in your yard!

 

[gargonshepard]

I was debating this very thing after deciding a Sulcata was not practicle. I went with a Red Foot and I have not been one bit dissapointed.[/i]

 

[LeopardTortLover]

Now I want a redfoot lol. "Not enough room Laura, not enough room!"

 

[FLGirl41]

Thank you so much to everyone who has given their help and opinions. The majority of you seem to recommend the redfoot. I think my problem is, I want one or two of everything and therefore can't make up my mind! Today especially I've been leaning heavily towards Golden Greeks. (See, I am all over the place.) I do love the larger species but there's something about the Greeks that appeal to me, perhaps that they stay more manageable in size. A 9-10" adult female seems just big enough, but not hard to house indoors during colder months. Oh goodness, I gotta keep thinking about this one.

 

[StudentoftheReptile]

If it helps, I also vote redfoots for the same reasons: do well in groups and they fare great in the Sunshine State.

 

[bigred]

The area you live in is ideal for redfoots and they are very personable and do well in groups as already mentioned. I have 2.2 group of adults and never had a problem with them. They have never been sick in any way and they are very hardy when taken care of. I have never owned a leopard so I cant say to much on them