Sulcata vs Redfoot in Florida

[DallasYoung]

Currently debating between one of the two for my backyard here in East Central Florida. I’d like to raise it (or rescue) until large enough to let roam my (100’x50’) fenced backyard. I was pretty set on a RedFoot until I saw that there is a tortoise rescue nearby that has a couple dinner plate sized Sulcatas available for adoption. What are the pros and cons of each in my climate? Thanks!

 

[Yvonne G]

There's a BIG difference between a sulcata and a RF. If you're interested in having a bulldozer in your yard, go for the sulcata. Sulcatas wear a path along the fenceline. They knock down your rose bushes (if the bushes happen to be in the path), they chip stucco off the house (if the path is next to the house), they sometimes dig holes to China, they poop BIG logs, they move your garden furniture and hoses, but on the other side of the coin, they are very personable, and a whole lot of fun to have in your back yard. The sulcata needs a BIG open, sunny space with lots of grass. In a space that's too small he'll soon eat the grass down to the roots, killing it off.

A RF tortoise requires an overplanted space with humidity and moisture. He can also become mighty personable, but without all the bad habits of a sulcata. They don't dig, they don't wear a path marching along the perimeter. They don't get as big.

Both species do well in Florida, so it's just a matter of which peaks your interest.

 

[T Smart]

Why not both? [emoji16]

 

[TammyJ]

Sounds like you may already have kind of, sort of, decided. But not both in the same space. Not recommended.

 

[Toddrickfl1]

Redfoots do great in Florida. It's similar to their native habitat

 

[ZEROPILOT]

I don't think that a 50' space would be large enough for a grown Sulcata.
But certainly would make a great Redfoot enclosure