Depending on the sex and age of the tortoise, they may cost anywhere from $150 to $700. Always buy captive-bred tortoises from breeders and avoid buying wild-caught animals. The exploitation of wild individuals for the pet trade is a serious problem. Their wild populations are being negatively affected because of the illegal pet trade. Wild-caught red-footed tortoises tend to be larger than captive-bred individuals. They also have smoother shells. Captive-bred individuals are smaller and easier to house. Their scutes are also more pronounced.