Chelonoidis carbonarius — Fact Sheet
Chelonoidis carbonarius · Red-Footed Tortoise · Rotfuß-Schildkröte
📋 At a glance
| Adult size | 28-36 cm |
| Lifespan | 40-60 years |
| Subspecies | Local forms; no simple care split |
| Origin | Central and northern South America |
| Activity | Diurnal |
| Difficulty | Intermediate |
| Legal | CITES: Appendix II; EU: Annex B; local rules still apply |
🏠 Enclosure
- Warm, spacious enclosure with cover, humidity, and dry walking areas
- Outdoor use only in warm safe weather; heated indoor space often needed
- Adult minimum: several m² or a very roomy indoor pen
- Substrate: soil-rich mix that holds some moisture without becoming swampy
- Avoid: cold rooms, arid boxes, dirty wet substrate, slippery floors
🪨 Enclosure furniture
- Humid hide + shaded retreats + basking area + water tray
- Leaf litter, cork bark, plants, visual cover, stable walking paths
- Dry surface choices as well as humid retreats
💡 Lighting
- UVB essential indoors
- Best: T5 HO UVB plus separate basking heat or a measured mercury vapor system
- Outdoor direct sun is excellent; glass/plastic blocks UVB
- Photoperiod: 10-12 h with seasonal adjustment; no night light
🌡️ Temperature
Basking spot: 32-35 °C
Warm zone: 26-30 °C
Cool zone: 24-26 °C
Night: 22-24 °C
Stable warmth is important; no Mediterranean-style winter cooling
Measure both basking surface and ambient temperatures
Avoid chronic chilling and overheated dry boxes
💧 Humidity & water
- Moderate to high humidity with airflow
- Fresh shallow water tray always available
- Juveniles: stable humidity and regular hydration
- Avoid stagnant swampy substrate, mold, and dirty wet hides
🥬 Diet
Feed freely:
- Leafy greens, safe weeds, broadleaf plants
- Dandelion (Taraxacum spp.)
- Plantain (Plantago spp.)
- Mallow (Malva spp.)
- Hibiscus and mulberry leaves
In moderation:
- Fruit in controlled amounts
- Mushrooms and suitable vegetables
- Occasional appropriate protein only with a clear feeding plan
Avoid:
- Fruit-heavy diets
- Dog/cat food as a routine protein source
- Processed foods, dairy, bread
- Dirty or fermented leftovers
Supplements:
- Cuttlefish bone available at all times
- Calcium dusting as needed; UVB still required
🩺 Health — warning signs
- Nasal discharge or wheezing → cold stress or respiratory disease
- Shell rot or skin irritation → dirty wet conditions
- Soft shell → UVB/calcium problem
- Swollen eyes → infection, vitamin issue, poor hygiene
- Refusal to eat → low temperature, stress, disease
- Lethargy → chilling or illness
Consult a reptile-experienced vet for respiratory signs, shell lesions, severe weakness, or prolonged anorexia.