Tartaruga de Patas Vermelhas

CARE GUIDE

Size: Adults reach an average shell length of 35cm

Origin: Central and South America

Lifespan: Up to 50 years

Natural Habitat: They inhabit tropical, subtropical and temperate forests as well as savannahs and transition zones.

The Tartaruga de Patas Vermelhas is a Central/South American tortoise species used to humid, well-vegetated environments. Its bright colours and curious, very interactive personality make it a species of great interest.

Although this is not a difficult species to keep, you should pay attention to a few aspects and ensure certain conditions, which you will find in the following paragraphs.

Terrarium

Size: When small, they can be kept in terrariums, aquariums or tortoise tables with a base of around 90x45cm. As they grow, the terrarium size should be increased. As a rule, the bigger the better. The recommended minimum size for a pair of Tartarugas de Patas Vermelhas is 2x1m. 

Material: Glass or Treated Wood (due to the high humidity)

 - Heating and Lighting

A basking area large enough to fully cover the tortoise should be provided, with a temperature of up to 35ºC. The rest of the terrarium can be kept between 25 and 28ºC. At night temperatures can safely drop to 20ºC.

A 6% T5 UVB tube should also be used to provide the right levels of ultraviolet radiation for this tortoise species. 

 - Humidity

Coming from tropical/subtropical areas, this species needs humidity between 70 and 80%. Especially for younger animals, it helps to provide humid hides where the tortoises can shelter.

They should also always have a container of clean, fresh water available to drink from and soak in.

- Decor

You can decorate the terrarium with branches, stones, hides and edible live plants. Choose a substrate that lets the tortoises dig and retains moisture well. The most recommended options include Tortoise-Specific Substrates mixed with coco fibre/humus. 

Diet and Supplementation

Feeding habits: Herbivorous

- Foods

Staple: Around 70% of the diet should be based on grasses and hay.

Occasional: You can supplement with many types of leaves and herbs such as hibiscus (including the flower), thistles, rose, cherry, dandelion (leaf and flower), chamomile, various flowers, rosette, kohlrabi, alfalfa, sunflower (leaf and flower), plane tree, mulberry, cactus (without spines), clover, etc. Occasionally, a source of animal protein such as insects, pinkies and eggs can also be added to the diet.

 - Supplementation

Dust the food with a quality Vitamin and Mineral Supplement with Vitamin D3.

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