BLACK CHERRY RED FOOTED TORTOISE (Chelonoidis carbonaria)

Black Cherry Red-Footed Tortoise Care Guide

Species Overview

• Common Name: Black Cherry Red-Footed Tortoise

• Scientific Name: Chelonoidis carbonaria

• Lifespan: 40–60+ years in captivity

• Size: 11–14 inches (females slightly larger)

• Origin: Native to South America (Amazon Basin, savannas)

• Temperament: Generally calm, personable, and interactive

Enclosure Requirements

Indoor Enclosure

• Size: Minimum 4 ft x 2 ft for young; 6 ft x 4 ft for adults

• Type: Enclosed tortoise table or large, secure enclosure

• Substrate: Organic topsoil, cypress mulch, or coconut coir (kept moist but not soggy)

• Hides: Provide multiple humid hides and logs

Outdoor Enclosure

• Only if temperatures remain within 75–90°F

• Provide shaded areas, hides, and secure fencing (they are strong diggers)

️ Temperature & Humidity

• Daytime Temp: 80–88°F (27–31°C)

• Basking Spot: 90–95°F (32–35°C)

• Night Temp: No lower than 70°F (21°C)

• Humidity: 70–80%

  • Mist daily and provide a humid hide (sphagnum moss or damp coir)

☀️ Lighting & UVB

• UVB Lighting: Essential 10–12 hours/day (Reptisun 5.0 or 10.0 T5 recommended)

• Natural sunlight: Best if safely available outdoors

• Use a ceramic heat emitter or radiant heat panel if night temps drop too low

Diet

Omnivorous diet (unlike many tortoises):

• Staples (70%): Leafy greens (dandelion, collard, mustard, hibiscus leaves)

• Fruits (10–20%): Mango, papaya, banana, strawberries, melon

• Protein (5–10%): Hard-boiled egg, low-fat dog food (occasional), or boiled chicken (once per week or less)

• Other: Cactus pads, mushrooms, squash

Calcium

• Provide calcium powder without D3 (if using UVB) 2–3x/week

• Cuttlebone should always be available for nibbling

Water & Soaking

• Shallow water dish always available (easy in, easy out)

• Soak 2–3 times a week for 20–30 minutes (daily for hatchlings)

• Ensure hydration, especially in drier enclosures

Cleaning & Hygiene

• Spot clean daily (remove waste and uneaten food)

• Replace substrate every 1–2 months or as needed

• Clean water dish daily

Behavior & Enrichment

• Very social and curious tortoises

• Provide rocks, logs, and enrichment opportunities (climbing, foraging)

• Interaction is encouraged—gentle and frequent handling helps tame them

Common Health Issues

• Pyramiding: From low humidity or improper diet

• Respiratory infections: Often from low temperatures or drafts

• Shell rot: From constantly wet substrate or poor hygiene

• Parasites: Routine fecal exams recommended

Special Notes on “Black Cherry” Morph

• This is a rare, selectively bred morph with darker overall coloration and deep red plastron and leg markings

• Care is identical to standard red-footed tortoises, but they may cost significantly more and should be sourced from responsible breeders