Stryx
New Member
I am looking into possibly getting a red footed tortoise or a cherry head tortoise as a companion for my current red footed tortoise. Dave is approx 5-6 inches long and is at least 2 years old. He has always been a on the smaller side (most likely due to very poor care before I received him.) He has started to grow at a slightly faster rate in the last few months. I'm not certain he is a male due to his stunted size. I'm not certain that looking at his plastron will be accurate. I have had him for over a year and am pretty confident in his housing as I've been reading forum posts from people who have successfully kept them long term and the care sheets of recommended breeders since I rescued him. He eats mixed approved greens, mazuri, and occasional approved fruits with a piece of slate as his dish. He has a water dish that he like to soak in daily. He has a ceramic heat emitter on on side 24 hours and a UVB bulb on during the day. His enclosure is an approx 3' x 4' thick plastic container (like a stock tank) for the few colder months and this summer will be allowed to roam out of doors for the first time. If the outdoor enclosure doesn't work out because we have larger hawks here then he will get an indoor upgrade this summer and he can use the outdoor enclosure under supervision. The outdoor cinderblock enclosure will be well covered with galvanized metal animal fencing placed into a wooden frame before he ever goes in. I am NOT looking to breed him so I will be posting some pictures on the turtle forum later this week to see if someone with more experience than I have can try to verify Dave’s sex before I actually get a companion for him (if getting him a companion is the choice made.) I love my Dave. He is sweet, likes his neck rubbed, comes to see me when I talk to him. I do work full time, go to college part time, and have kids so I don’t get to spend a ton of time with him and he’s very sweet to me anyways. He is my little piece of calm in my very hectic life. I adore him and just want him to be as happy as possible. Thank you for your time and consideration. I truly appreciate all information given.