Brazilian Cherry Head Tortoise (Well-Started) — a red-footed tortoise of the South American Chelonoidis carbonarius group; cherry-head forms are the compact, extra-vivid Brazilian variant with scarlet-stippled heads and legs. Red-foots break the tortoise rules in the best ways: they eat fruit, love humidity, skip hibernation entirely, and interact with keepers with real boldness.
At a Glance
| Species | Chelonoidis carbonarius (red-foot / cherry-head form per title) |
|---|---|
| Adult size | 25–35 cm (cherry-heads smaller) |
| Lifespan | 50+ years |
| Housing | Closed humid setup indoors; warm summer garden time |
| Climate | Basking 32–35 °C, ambient 26 °C; 70–80 % humidity; never cold |
| Diet | Greens + real fruit share + occasional animal protein |
Care Basics
Forget the dry table: red-foots want a closed-chamber setup holding warmth and 70 %+ humidity, damp substrate, broad-leaf cover, daily misting and a soak dish. Diet is the joy — dark greens as the base, genuine fruit portions Mediterranean species can’t have, a little animal protein fortnightly, calcium throughout. Smooth shell growth follows humidity, hydration and patience.
Frequently Asked Questions
Cherry-head or standard red-foot?
Cherry-heads run smaller and redder; standards grow larger with more yellow tones. Care is identical — choose on size and palette.
Do they hibernate?
Never — equatorial species. Warm, lit winter quarters every year of a very long life.
Why Buy From EU Exotic Reptile Hub
- Captive-bred in Europe — no wild-caught animals, ever
- Live-arrival guarantee and health guarantee on every animal
- Verified feeding — we ship only established feeders, with a feeding record
- Lifetime care support from our keepers, one message away
Shipping Across the EU
We ship EU-wide with specialist live-animal couriers in insulated, heat- or cool-packed boxes, dispatched only when the weather forecast along the whole route is safe. You receive tracking on dispatch day and your animal typically arrives within 24 hours. See our shipping policy and FAQ for full details.
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