Bolivian Cherry Headed Red Footed Tortoise

Bolivian Cherry Headed Red Footed Tortoises are closely related to the Cherry Heads from Paraguay. Found in the Bolivian Chaco, and originally brought to the US in the 1980s, the Bolivian version is the giant of the Red Foot world. Some of our adult breeders are actually 18 inches long. Because Cherry Heads from Bolivia have genetic influence from the more typical form of Red Foots found in Bolivia's lowland jungles, their color variation is great. Some are light, some dark and some have nicely contrasting colors - some have deeper red/orange heads and legs, others have more of a peach colored head and legs that becomes even more striking as they grow. All Bolivian Cherry Heads have distinct spotting in the center of their scutes - similar to Leopard Tortoises.

Our's are 3rd and 4th generation Americans, and grow up to be both beautiful and impressively large. If you're looking for a nice, large, predator proof tortoise that can share a summer pen with larger Sulcattas, Burmese Mountain Tortoises or even Aldabras, this is your tortoise. Their care and husbandry is essentially the same as for normal Red Footed Tortoises and follows:

Red-footed Tortoises are the inhabitants of the exotic Jungles of the Caribbean, central and south America. They are quite intelligent, they have good memory and learn rapidly where and when food is available; and where shelter and basking is to be found. They have a strong sense of smell, and their sense of touch includes even the slightest contact with their shell.

Grasses, clover hay, dark, leafy greens, (except for spinach) cactus, carrots and mixed vegetables are all good for Red-footed Tortoises. Sweet, red fruits are their favorites. Supplements that are high in calcium and low in phosphorus, are best for this hearty species.

Red-footed Tortoises do very well in community settings. With a little extra care, hatchlings thrive with other tortoises. Shallow, warm water soaking every third day, a warm basking spot and plenty of food is the key for these pretty starter tortoises.

Red-footed Tortoises are one of the most popular species kept the world over - and once you begin working with them, it's easy to see why.