Living in Germany with a Cherry Head Red Foot

The G · Oct 6, 2019

Hi there, I moved to Germany two years ago with a now three-year-old Cherry Head Red Foot named Scooter. She has definitely slowed down in eating now. It is too cold to have her outside now overnight. I have seen conflicting posts, does this species hibernate or just slow down. For her indoor habitat, I use coconut fiber and sphagnum moss. She still gets her bath with warm water and walks around the house until she just puts herself in a corner for a nap. Should I be doing more? I look forward to hearing from fellow Tortoise Forum members.

Yvonne G · Oct 6, 2019

No, they don't brumate, and they don't even slow down. If your tortoise is 'slowing down,' that probably means you're not keeping the enclosure warm enough.

If the tortoise lives on the floor of your house, that's the reason for the slow down. It would be impossible for you to keep the floor of your house 80F degrees all over the whole floor, which is what the tortoise requires to live comfortable. She needs a dedicated enclosure where you can keep the substrate moist and the air humid, and the temperature in the 80'sF.

ZEROPILOT · Oct 6, 2019

Do a search for "closed chamber enclosure".
You'll need something like this to provide the warmth and humidity your Redfoot needs to thrive.
@Bee62 is in Germany and keeps a few different species.
Maybe she can give you a few pointers?

Bee62 · Oct 6, 2019

The G said:
Hi there, I moved to Germany two years ago with a now three-year-old Cherry Head Red Foot named Scooter. She has definitely slowed down in eating now. It is too cold to have her outside now overnight. I have seen conflicting posts, does this species hibernate or just slow down. For her indoor habitat, I use coconut fiber and sphagnum moss. She still gets her bath with warm water and walks around the house until she just puts herself in a corner for a nap. Should I be doing more? I look forward to hearing from fellow Tortoise Forum members.

Hi, I am living in Germany too and keep two redfoot tortoises. It is way to cold for a redfoot tortoise outdoors now in Germany even at day!!!!
Please put your redfoot asap in a close chamber with UVB lights and a che. Redfoots do not and cannot hibernate and don`t slow down in autumn. Your tortoise is kept too cold ( that`s the reason he slows down ) and in danger to get a respiration infect.
Look what I have an enclosure for my redfoot indoors

:

ZEROPILOT · Oct 6, 2019

Bee62 said:
Hi, I am living in Germany too and keep two redfoot tortoises. It is way to cold for a redfoot tortoise outdoors now in Germany even at day!!!!
Please put your redfoot asap in a close chamber with UVB lights and a che. Redfoots do not and cannot hibernate and don`t slow down in autumn. Your tortoise is kept too cold ( that`s the reason he slows down ) and in danger to get a respiration infect.
Look what I have an enclosure for my redfoot indoorsView attachment 281843 :
View attachment 281843

Thank you, my friend!

Living in Germany with a Cherry Head Red Foot

The G

New Member

Yvonne G

Old Timer

ZEROPILOT

REDFOOT WRANGLER

Bee62

Well-Known Member

ZEROPILOT

REDFOOT WRANGLER

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