Red foot or leopard. 1 or 2????

[Mr.Ryan]

hello im looking at getting my 1st tortoise. but i dont no if i should get 1 or 2. it would either be a red foot or leopard.which is best? and do tortoises prefer to be on there own or do they like company?
also how rapid is there growth? as i would like to have them inside at first but ofcourse i have space outside and shelter for them when ready.
i know theres a lot here sorry and i have been looking at them for a while and have learnt alot,been looking for a few months now and am ready to get a new member to the family =]
all replies appreciated hope you can help

 

[mctlong]

Its great that you're doing your research before bringing home a tortoise. Both redfoots and leopards are beautiful.

Tortoises tend to be solitary animals and don't need companionship like dogs or birds need company. A single tortoise would be perfectly happy living its entire life without ever seeing another tortoise.

Good luck and let us know what you choose.

 

[Yvonne G]

In my opinion, all tortoises belong outside, but redfoots are better suited to living in the house.

Yvonne

 

[Redfoot NERD]

I don't know where the idea that tortoises are solitary came from.. but mine choose to pile-up on each other in 25% of their hide at night!

I would never consider a lone redfoot.. especially with space available.

Redfoots require lots of humidity.. inexpensive lighting and will eat anything.. a good "FIRST" tortoise. Very forgiving and friendly.

Leopards require low humidity.. very expensive lighting and are not a good "FIRST" tortoise.. can be problematic - temp/humidity sensitive!

Both grow to 7-8 inches in 5-6 years.

Weather has a lot to do with when they live inside or outside.. regardless of the species.

So there you are.. 3 replies.. 3 different opinions or experience?

I do know mine comes from experience.

Terry K

 

[Mr.Ryan]

Thanks for your help i have decided to go for 2 red foots, will get a indoor enclosure at first then will be converting the shed =] thanks again guys

 

[Jacqui]

ALSO speaking from experience (and stating my opinion)...not to mention Yvonne spoke from experience too, in this case I would also have to say I think the Leopard tends to be a harder tortoise for most keepers. In my case I did it backward, I had Leopards for years before getting any redfoots (of course I did have a couple of yellowfoots at the beginning too, so maybe that evens it out a bit. ) I personally think all my tortoises seem to do much better keep in pairs, but think small groups of three or more works better. They tend to challenge it each other in good ways and with three or more, it gives everybody more breaks if desired from each other. Just always be prepared and watching for compatability issues to come up and have to be delt with.

 

[K9KidsLove]

Hi...Welcome to the forum.
Getting the Redfoots is a good choice. I find them easier than Leopards. Just make sure to read the Redfoot section on here and read Turtletary's site. Also check the site about safe weeds and plants.
Of course we want pictures as soon as you get your new Redfoots. Get your set up ready before getting your tortoises, then post a picture & give details of what you have so someone can let you know if you need to change anything.
Good luck
Patsy

 

[Mr.Ryan]

will do thanks again everyon.am now very excited =D

 

[jake]

We have both... and we have pairs of both. And all of our tortoises LOVE each other.

Our redfoots are a pair, and they are very easygoing. And they look out for each other. There was one time that my female flipped over after trying to climb over a landscape timber, and my male went to her rescue and tipped her right-side-up. That's love!

The leopards are great, but they have come at great medical expense. Very sensitive to respiratory issues.

Good luck!

~ Autumn