Temporary emergency digs for Redfoot

[Volksvegan]

Very sorry to bother you folks with this, but I need some advice. I'm posting this for an acquaintance who knows I have a tortoise, so they asked me about this. I only have experience with Russians, so couldn't really answer their question as I know the requirements for the two species are quite different. Due to an emergency, they are taking care of a Redfoot (about 8" long shell) for a week or perhaps two. It only came in its carry box and they have no experience with this species. They have a bin about 22" x 42" that they could use for a temporary enclosure (I know it's small, but please stress temporary). Could you tell me the bare basics for a setup (substrate, lights, temps, water) and diet? I'll pass the info on to them (with any extra equipment I might have that they can use), with many thanks from both of us! Hopefully he/she (the tortoise, that is) will be back in its permanent home again soon.

 

[wellington]

A little that I know for them. Coconut coir or dirt for substrate. A fluorescent tube UVB and a CHE for heat. Where are they located? Keep the under substrate damp to raise humidity to 80 %. Also check out the tortoiselibrary.com. For more RF info. It's a forum members site.

 

[Volksvegan]

Many, many thanks! I'm assuming a 5.0 fl UV tube rather than 10.0? They're in Canada, so no outside time for this RF for a while! I'll check out that site...I think I already sent them that link.

 

[pfara]

Many, many thanks! I'm assuming a 5.0 fl UV tube rather than 10.0? They're in Canada, so no outside time for this RF for a while! I'll check out that site...I think I already sent them that link.

I see no harm in using a 10.0. That's what I use and I haven't had any issues. But my tube covers half the enclosure and has lots of plants for shade.

 

[Volksvegan]

Thanks! Basking light, too, I assume?

 

[wellington]

I just learned recently that RF don't really bask. It they want to offer one, it wouldn't hurt, that would give him a choice.

 

[Volksvegan]

That's interesting - I assumed they would, so that's good to know. It's a small enclosure, so maybe something not very strong so the tortoise can at least move away a bit, or into its hide.
Really appreciate all this help, BTW.

 

[pfara]

Actually, cdmay recently told me that redfoots have been observed to bask in the sun even if for short periods of time. I'd provide a basking spot as an option for the redfoot. I doubt it'd hurt anything.

 

[Watsonpartyof4]

Actually, cdmay recently told me that redfoots have been observed to bask in the sun even if for short periods of time. I'd provide a basking spot as an option for the redfoot. I doubt it'd hurt anything.

I have a Redfoot and he basks! Yes provide a basking spot !

 

[cdmay]

It's great of you to take in this red-foot for a couple of weeks.
But to be honest, you would be fine just using newspaper as a bedding if it is only for a week or two. It is cheap and easy to replace.
The above suggestions are of course great, but for a limited time newspaper is OK. For feeding use an old plate or something that will prevent the tortoise from ingesting the paper though.
For humidity you can partially cover the bin and mist the temporary habitat.
When we experience cold snaps down here in Florida I bring my animals inside for up to a week (usually less though) at a time. During these events I use small kiddy pools or large storage bins lined with newspaper as bedding with some crumbled up paper in one area that is dampened for them to retreat into.
Also, for a short period of time a simple spotlight for warmth will be fine.
For the record, red-footed tortoises bask all the time in patches of sunlight and wild red-foots are often found in these situations.

 

[AnnV]

How is the rf doing?
In a temp situation in Canada, my biggest concern would be warmth. It can go 2 weeks without uvb. It can even go without basking, temporarily, if it has a proper overall warmth. But if one is using light as a heat source, then both are covered anyway. The entire enclosure should not be lower than 80. Especially in the stress of a temp move. Then a warmer/ basking area of 90 or higher. High humidity is important to fedfoots. A damp substrate would be beneficial as well as some real or fake plants to hide in. A shallow water container of course.

 

[Volksvegan]

Thank you so much for the further info. Just to make it clear, it's not me with the tortoise, but an acquaintance. I actually only saw the tortoise once, and was asked for help. I've emailed her the info (and an earlier offer of an enclosure with lights, etc. to loan) and am awaiting a reply. Will update you folks when I hear back from her.

I'm afraid I might get bitten by the RF bug, LOL - he/she seemed like a cool tortoise!