Tortoise is biting its legs

Question
Hi I just bought a red footed tortoise from petsmart like 4days ago and
now he is biting his legs can this hurt him?

Answer
Hi Brian,

Biting the legs is not normal.  Are you sure your tortoise is actually biting, and not rubbing its eyes?  They will use their front legs to rub debris out of the eyes.  If you're sure it really is biting (and especially if its causing any damage), something is wrong.  Check over your care and see if anything needs changing.  Generally speaking, advice given by pet stores regarding tortoises is incorrect, so you may need to make some adjustments.

Redfoot tortoises come from tropical climates and need a fairly moist and warm environment (NOT a tank).  They also grow fairly large and will need plenty of room.  You need a basking area of about 90-95 and a cooler area in the high 70s.  Substrate can be a mix of coir and playsand, kept fairly damp in most of the enclosure.  I also keep a layer of sphagnum moss in the basking area to boost moisture.  They do need UVB, whether through something like a Reptisun or with a combination heat/UVB bulb like the ZooMed Powersun (I use combination bulbs).  Redfoots do bask and do need UVB, although some will bask more than others.  They should always have a source of water for drinking and soaking.

Redfoots are omnivores, so need a diet based on greens, with fruits, veggies, and some animal protein once a week or so.  Put a cuttlebone in the enclosure so your tortoise can self-regulate calcium.

If, after you make any necessary adjustments to the enclosure, your tortoise is still biting its legs, I would take it to a good reptile vet to be checked for parasites.

Here's some websites with more information:
www.redfoottortoise.com
www.tortoiseyard.com

Mike Pingleton's book is also excellent:  http://www.pingleton.com/redfoot/redfoots.htm