BOLIVIAN Redfoot - rare Giants

MysticCaribou

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They're beautiful. How do you know they are 'giants' as they are still hatchlings?
 

Clamhandsmcgee

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Mine are really enjoying hibiscus flowers. They'll eat all the petals before eating the rest of the food I put out for them. Thanks @Redfoot NERD.
 

Redfoot NERD

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As far as how 'rare' these "Giants" are - try finding any..especially yearlings or older.
Although some claim there were several imported ---- where did they all go??? Yeah there may be a "handful" of keepers/breeders.. and some of the old-timers claim they know of a few [ if not several ] that do keep them - but there are few to be found.

Granted the 4 hatchlings shown are exceptional... and there are characteristics that set these apart -- mainly the tight/full head patterns and the 'blotches' on the carapace that stays well into large adults.. like this great-great-great grand mother/aunt of these hatchlings! She reportedly is in the 18" range. She just may be one of the original's from 1982 -

 

Kapidolo Farms

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Terry are these real recent or the same you have shown elsewhere? They are really unique looking and I would like to sort out what those diagnostics are that help you see the differences and where/how someone can acquire them. Thanks.
 

Redfoot NERD

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Terry are these real recent or the same you have shown elsewhere? They are really unique looking and I would like to sort out what those diagnostics are that help you see the differences and where/how someone can acquire them. Thanks.

Will I was able to - after 18 months of relentless searching - finally able to deal with the breeder directly... that was there in Miami when they came in... that was in 1982 . Reportedly the only importation (?) !

Other than the consistent / common 'tight' head-pattern and 'blotches' on the carapace.. as stated prior .. mainly the "peach" colors - seldom 'red' - no wasp-waist on males and virtually dark plastron on the "main-land" locale. [ Some claim they have individuals with marbling on plastron - I have to believe those are from the extreme Northern region of Bolivia where Brazil touches - see what that could create!? ]
And of course the typical 18+" scl of mature adults!

The 4 shown here are from a few I was able to acquire from the aforementioned breeder - they are my "keepers" obviously.

My 2008 hatched female - typical 'peach' colors and dark plastron - current 9" scl. I did not start her.. acquired her summer 2015.





As far as where you may acquire this locale Will ? There may be a few hatchlings available around the first of the year. I don't know how this forum does "private messages" so just email me -- [email protected]
 

Clamhandsmcgee

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Hopefully I'll have some hatchlings... In about 10 years! I just got 3 bolivian hatchlings. I really do love keeping red foot tortoises, this is the first time I've had any.
 

Anyfoot

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Sure look nice Terry. What do the plastrons of those 4 babies look like?
Do you have any photos of any mature male Bolivians?
 

Anyfoot

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Stunning, not only the coloring of the head and areola. That head pattern looks cool.
So you've never seen a Bolivian with a waist band Terry?
 

Redfoot NERD

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The 'waist' is one of the main things to look for in a Bolivian. Any Bolivian less than 12" scl is considered YOUNG - just beginning to reach maturity.

Still wondering about his plastron -

 

Clamhandsmcgee

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I've finally taken a few pictures of my Bolivian red foots. The pictures don't do it justice, they are more peach colored and more colorful.
IMG_20170825_093718247.jpg IMG_20170825_093700690.jpg IMG_20170825_093647847.jpg IMG_20170825_093635827.jpg IMG_20170825_093614076.jpg IMG_20170825_093604602.jpg
 

Rt1jen

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One of my favorite torts for sure! Love the beautiful pics!
 

Redfoot NERD

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Redfoot NERD

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@Anyfoot

Keep in mind these may be a little 'washed-out' from the flash - I use an actual camera.. lol - you asked for plastron shots.

Statement from breeder -
Spoke with the breeder of these hatchlings and asked him why the plastron colors varied so much -
this is his reply...


As babies they vary considerably.
They grow into the black as they get bigger.
Usually in the 4-6" range it starts to come in fast !
By the time they hit 8-9" it's very complete




















@Will - are you learning anything from any of this ?
 

Kapidolo Farms

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I don't know head scale nomenclature. I see a great deal of variability in it though. The carapace scute coloration seems to be the most consistent trait. The mild orange colored head on one of them is a really nice color. I have more watching to do.
 
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