Our new pet 🌿🐢

Since opening my home to Ruby, my lovely red-footed tortoise, life has taken on a wonderfully calming rhythm! It's truly incredible how much joy and peace this little creature brings. As a complete newbie to the world of tortoises, I've been on a steep learning curve, soaking up every bit of information I can find to make sure Ruby thrives. If you're also a first-time 'ruby tortoise' parent or considering getting one, here are some initial insights and tips I've gathered that might help you on your journey. First off, setting up her habitat was a big learning experience. Red-footed tortoises, like my Ruby, need quite a bit of space even when they're small, and they love humidity! I quickly learned that a proper enclosure isn't just a box; it's a mini ecosystem. I'm using a mix of coco coir and cypress mulch as substrate, which helps hold in moisture. Misting her enclosure daily has become a routine to keep the humidity levels high, which is crucial for preventing pyramiding (a condition where their shell grows abnormally). I've also made sure she has a good basking spot set to around 90-95°F with a UV-B light, which is essential for her bone health and overall well-being. Watching her trek across her enclosure, exploring new hidey-holes, is one of my favorite therapeutic moments. Diet has also been fascinating! Ruby loves her leafy greens – dandelion, collard greens, and endive are big hits. I've been careful to offer a varied diet, supplementing with a little fruit very occasionally as a treat, and making sure she gets calcium and vitamin D3 powder sprinkled on her food a few times a week. It’s amazing how particular she can be, sometimes turning her nose up at something one day and devouring it the next! And speaking of food, watching her munch away with such focused determination is surprisingly captivating. Another important aspect I've discovered is the daily warm water soak. My toddler calls her Rocky, but Ruby is far from a rock when it comes to bath time! These shallow soaks help her stay hydrated and encourage natural bowel movements. She usually seems to enjoy them, slowly stretching her neck out and sometimes even having a little snooze in the water. It’s these small, consistent care routines that build our bond and ensure she’s healthy. Overall, owning this ruby tortoise has been an incredibly rewarding experience. There's so much to learn, and every day presents a new observation or question. The calm presence of Ruby has genuinely added a peaceful dimension to my daily life. I'm still very much in the learning phase, so for all you seasoned tortoise owners out there, please share your wisdom! What essential tips do you have for red-footed tortoise care? Any tricks for picky eaters or ensuring they get enough enrichment? I'm eager to hear your advice to give my sweet Ruby the best life possible!