Yellow Footed Tortoise

Yellow-footed Tortoises inhabit the dense rainforests of South America and the Caribbean islands. Like Red footed tortoises, Yellow foots are very intelligent and quickly learn where food, shelter and good basking are found. Yellow-foots tend to be both more active and more secretive than Red-foots. Being more active, they can be a little more fragile than Red-foots, if not kept at fairly constant temperatures and humidity levels.

In nature, Yellow-foots' diet includes grasses, fruits, some insects and earth worms. Tortoise diet mixed with greens, veggies, fruits, and a calcium supplement suites them well. With a little patience, Yellow-foots can quickly learn to eat from your hand.

Yellow foots, thrive with other tortoise species. Shallow, warm water soaking every third day, a warm basking spot and plenty of food is the key for these very personable starter tortoises. Slightly moistened substrate works best for Yellow-foots. Natural sunlight in warmer months, or good UV basking bulbs indoors are important. They enjoy lots of humidity and even warm rains. Care must be taken to avoid cold temperatures when keeping Yellow-foots.

Yellow foots have been one of the most popular species for tortoise keepers for decades. Just follow their care sheets, and they are a pleasure to keep.

Top photo shows a well started 2008 juvenile. Middle photo shows a well started 3”Yearling Yellow Footed Tortoise. Bottom photo shows two 4.5”-5”yearling four year old Yellow Footed Tortoises.