Looking to rescue a redfoot

Toby0884

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Hello all,

I am looking for a companion for my redfoot. His brother escaped the yard a few months ago and my normally over social boy has become a recluse. I'm looking for a friend to keep him company and would prefer a rescue as all my "kids" are rescues. Not looking to breed him, just get him company so prefer another male. Big outdoor space here in South Florida. We have corrected our issues with the fence so will not have further breakouts. Really want to see my boy happy again so please keep me in mind if anyone is looking to rehome. Thanks.
 

Yvonne G

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RF tortoises are the exception to the "don't get only two tortoises" rule. They seem to get along much better with company than other species. But you still have to bear in mind that the may not get along and you may have to separate the yard so each has his own territory.
 

cmacusa3

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And don't forget if you get one to keep them quarantined from each other for 6 months to a year.
 

Tom

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Hello all,

I am looking for a companion for my redfoot. His brother escaped the yard a few months ago and my normally over social boy has become a recluse. I'm looking for a friend to keep him company and would prefer a rescue as all my "kids" are rescues. Not looking to breed him, just get him company so prefer another male. Big outdoor space here in South Florida. We have corrected our issues with the fence so will not have further breakouts. Really want to see my boy happy again so please keep me in mind if anyone is looking to rehome. Thanks.

Tortoises should not be kept in pairs. Its not good for either of them. Groups can sometimes work out okay, but not pairs.

Your tortoise is not despondent over the loss of his competitor, he's probably slowing down because its winter with cooler, shorter days. Your tortoise does not want another tortoises around and it will not bee seen as a companion of friend. It will be seen as either a tormentor, or someone to torment and drive out of its territory.

Many people come here and argue this point, but its true. Tortoises don't show the facial expressions or make the noises that some animals do to show their discomfort, so many people make the wrong assumptions and come to the wrong conclusions. One such lady ignored the advice to separate her two RFs and then came back six weeks later asking what to do because one of her tortoises had literally eaten the tail and most of one back leg of her other tortoise.

If you want another tortoise, I totally understand. Most of us here, including me, want another tortoise or two or three. Just make a separate enclosure for each one, or get yourself a group going with one adult male and a few females. Or just a bunch of females, if you don't want to breed.

Don't forget to quarantine any new arrivals for a minimum of 6 months, and have a tortoise vet check them at least twice during the coarse of quarantine.
 

MPRC

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Where are you located? I know someone posted about finding a redfoot after Mathew here on the forums.
 

ZEROPILOT

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Hello. I may live very close by. I'm also in S.E Florida. Broward county.
I keep seven in total. Two males and five females.
Keeping two males together (Without females) has never worked out for me.
Your single male is likely doing a VICTORY DANCE!;)
Can you post photos of your enclosure?
I may know a source for an extra male. But I highly recommend not housing them together unless you also add females to the mix.
Single male or female Redfoot are happy Redfoot. They will often tolerate other tortoises, but they are happiest alone.
Mine all live in a big, outdoors pen with pools and houses and hiding areas, etc.
I do, however have quite a bit of extra items, like hide boxes. These are free.
If you are nearby and interested at all, feel free to contact me and take whatever you need.
 

Toby0884

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Joined
Dec 15, 2012
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Southeast Florida
Hello. I may live very close by. I'm also in S.E Florida. Broward county.
I keep seven in total. Two males and five females.
Keeping two males together (Without females) has never worked out for me.
Your single male is likely doing a VICTORY DANCE!;)
Can you post photos of your enclosure?
I may know a source for an extra male. But I highly recommend not housing them together unless you also add females to the mix.
Single male or female Redfoot are happy Redfoot. They will often tolerate other tortoises, but they are happiest alone.
Mine all live in a big, outdoors pen with pools and houses and hiding areas, etc.
I do, however have quite a bit of extra items, like hide boxes. These are free.
If you are nearby and interested at all, feel free to contact me and take whatever you need.


Hi Zeropilot,

I live in Fort Pierce (St. Lucie County), about 2 hrs north of you. I'll tell you that initially the two males didn't get along but have been together for 2+ years now and did quite well living in close proximity. I don't keep them in an enclosure, the roam my back yard. I have a concrete block enclosure for isolating when needed, or when the lawn is mowed. They have hides throughout the yard along with their water dishes. I really didn't want to deal with make-female pairs as I don't want to worry about babies. And getting two females is fine but then I still need to isolate my male other than when we are together. I usually like them to come and go as they please. I live on a third of an acre but they only have access to the back yard, about 1/3 of the property. They have done well here and my next step will be a shed w/ heat for those cooler, "winter" nights. I suspect the large roaming area may have been why they tolerated each other so well.
 

Toby0884

New Member
10 Year Member!
Joined
Dec 15, 2012
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Location (City and/or State)
Southeast Florida
Tortoises should not be kept in pairs. Its not good for either of them. Groups can sometimes work out okay, but not pairs.

Your tortoise is not despondent over the loss of his competitor, he's probably slowing down because its winter with cooler, shorter days. Your tortoise does not want another tortoises around and it will not bee seen as a companion of friend. It will be seen as either a tormentor, or someone to torment and drive out of its territory.

Many people come here and argue this point, but its true. Tortoises don't show the facial expressions or make the noises that some animals do to show their discomfort, so many people make the wrong assumptions and come to the wrong conclusions. One such lady ignored the advice to separate her two RFs and then came back six weeks later asking what to do because one of her tortoises had literally eaten the tail and most of one back leg of her other tortoise.

If you want another tortoise, I totally understand. Most of us here, including me, want another tortoise or two or three. Just make a separate enclosure for each one, or get yourself a group going with one adult male and a few females. Or just a bunch of females, if you don't want to breed.

Don't forget to quarantine any new arrivals for a minimum of 6 months, and have a tortoise vet check them at least twice during the coarse of quarantine.


Hello Tom,

Much respect as I've enjoyed both yours and Zeropilot's posts over the last few years I've been a member.

I have a close friend who is an exotics vet. She looks at my babes from time to time and keeps them healthy. I also have a quarantine area at my disposable.

I get nervous about having mixed pairs as I don't like the idea of keeping the male separated but don't want babies. Yes, I know, silly concept. I will resign myself to leaving them separate if needed. I had been planning on getting one or two more before our loss but wanted to secure the yard...which is now done.

The male pair I had did seem to get along well. Could it be the fact that they weren't housed together but had the run of the entire yard? They spent time together once in a while but mostly respected each others space. Whenever they were toghether they hung out for a while, eating or sunning themselves. Occasionally they would end up in the same hides but, other than the original adjustment period, they have been amicable for the past two years...no bumps or bruises. No fights.

Zeropilot had asked for pics which I will post shortly. Currently rainng where I am so, if I can't find them on my phone, it will be a while before I can get good ones.

Thanks for the advice.
 

Toby0884

New Member
10 Year Member!
Joined
Dec 15, 2012
Messages
9
Location (City and/or State)
Southeast Florida
Where are you located? I know someone posted about finding a redfoot after Mathew here on the forums.
Hello,

I am an hour or so from that person. Not sure he still has the tort or wants to give it up . I should probably try to find him just in case. Thanks.
 

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