CHERRY HEAD RED FOOTED TORTOISE (Chelonoidis carbonaria)

CHERRY HEAD RED FOOTED TORTOISE (Chelonoidis carbonaria)

$650.00

Full Description

Cherry Head Red-Footed Tortoise Care Guide

Species Overview

  • Common Name: Cherry Head Red-Footed Tortoise

  • Scientific Name: Chelonoidis carbonaria

  • Morph: Smaller, more colorful variant of the red-footed tortoise

  • Lifespan: 40–60+ years

  • Size: 10–12 inches as adults (smaller than typical red-foots)

  • Origin: South America (Brazilian rainforest regions)

  • Temperament: Gentle, curious, and interactive

Enclosure Requirements

Indoor Enclosure

  • Size: Minimum 4 ft x 2 ft for juveniles, 6 ft x 3–4 ft for adults

  • Enclosure Type: Tortoise table or enclosed setup to hold humidity

  • Substrate: Moisture-retaining and safe options like:

    • Coconut coir

    • Cypress mulch

    • Organic topsoil (no fertilizers or perlite)

  • Depth: At least 3–4 inches for burrowing

Outdoor Enclosure (if climate allows)

  • Safe if daytime temps stay 75–90°F

  • Secure perimeter (they can dig!)

  • Provide shady areas, shelters, and humid hides

️ Temperature & Humidity

  • Basking Spot: 90–95°F (32–35°C)

  • Ambient Temp: 80–88°F (27–31°C)

  • Night Temp: 70–75°F (21–24°C)

  • Humidity: 70–85%

    • Use misting, humid hides, or a fogger

    • Keep substrate damp but not soaked

☀️ Lighting & UVB

  • UVB Requirement: Yes — 10–12 hours daily

    • Use a T5 HO 5.0 or 10.0 UVB bulb

    • Replace bulbs every 6–12 months

  • Supplemental Heat: Ceramic heat emitter (CHE) or radiant panel for night warmth

  • Natural sunlight: Excellent when safe and available

Diet

Omnivorous (unlike many tortoises)

  • Leafy Greens (60%): Dandelion, collard, escarole, hibiscus leaves

  • Fruits (15–25%): Papaya, mango, melon, strawberries, banana (limited)

  • Other Veggies: Squash, pumpkin, bell pepper, mushrooms

  • Protein (5–10%): Insects, cooked egg, or low-fat dog food (1x per week)

  • Calcium: Dust food 2–3x per week with calcium powder (without D3 if under UVB)

  • Cuttlebone: Provide at all times for beak and calcium needs

Water & Soaking

  • Shallow water dish (large enough to soak in)

    • Change daily

  • Soak juvenile tortoises daily, adults 2–3x per week (especially in dry environments)

Cleaning & Maintenance

  • Spot Clean daily (waste and food)

  • Deep Clean monthly or as needed (change substrate)

  • Prevent mold buildup in humid environments

Behavior & Enrichment

  • Very social, especially with regular gentle handling

  • Provide enrichment like:

    • Logs to climb over

    • Edible plants

    • Variety in terrain and hiding spots

  • Slow but curious — will explore and learn their enclosure

Common Health Issues

Issue Cause Prevention/Treatment
Pyramiding Low humidity, poor diet Maintain high humidity, balanced nutrition
Respiratory infections Cold or dry conditions Keep temps and humidity consistent
Shell rot Constant wet substrate Provide dry areas and good ventilation
Parasites Contaminated food or enclosure Fecal tests and regular cleaning

Cherry Head vs. Regular Red-Footed

Feature Cherry Head Regular Red-Footed
Size Smaller (10–12″) Larger (12–14″+)
Color Brighter reds, darker shells More muted red and yellow tones
Native Range Southeastern Brazil Broader South American range
Behavior Slightly more shy at times Confident and bold

✅ Essential Checklist

  • Spacious, enclosed enclosure (indoor or safe outdoor)

  • Warm basking spot & ambient temps

  • High humidity with moist substrate

  • Daily access to clean, shallow water

  • Mixed omnivore diet with calcium

  • UVB light 10–12 hours/day

  • Regular health checks and enrichment

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