The Yellow-Footed Tortoise (Chelonoidis denticulatus) is the larger, shyer cousin of the Red-Foot. Found in the Amazon basin, they are the largest mainland tortoise in South America.
1. Space & Enclosure
Adults can exceed 40cm (16 inches). They require a very large, robust indoor enclosure (min 2m x 1m) or a heated greenhouse. They do not tolerate the cold at all—temps must stay above 20°C.
2. Diet & Feeding
Similar to the Red-Foot, they are omnivorous.
- Vegetation: They consume more grasses and fallen leaves than Red-Foots.
- Fruit: Very important. Figs, plums, and tropical fruits mimic their wild diet.
3. Temperament
Unlike the bold Red-Foot, Yellow-Foots can be shy. Provide plenty of hides (cork bark tunnels, fern plants) to make them feel secure. Stress is a major killer of this species in captivity.