Cherry Head-Hatchling vs a bit older

Hi All-

I have a couple of Russian Tortoises that are very new to me but that we are LOVING and we are thinking about getting a couple of Cherry Heads as well. I know the care is quite different for the two but neither seem hard to care for really so the different care doesn't really concern me.

I have considering either 2008 or 2009 (summer) born Cherry Heads but today got an e-mail about some younger 8 week old Cherry Heads that apparently still have their egg teeth that also sound really nice. The 8 week old Cherry Heads are either normal red ones or "orange" ones...there are no pictures yet of any of thse and he has no information on gender...the first ones I was considering (either the 2008 or the 2009) were temp sexed so I could make requests if I wanted.

I have kids so personable is a big advantage to us but watching them grow would be fun also.

How much trickier is hatchling care than the older 2009 or 2008 babies? Is it way riskier to get the 8 week olds? I am thinking an orange one and a red one could be cool but not if it is riskier to get them that young or if we are likely to have a much less friendly tortoise for a long period of time. I know younger torts are shy-er but I guess I am not sure how long the shy period normally lasts?

Those of you with tort experience and especially cherry head experience..what would you get? My kids are run from ages 10 to 4, FWIW.

Thanks!

Alison

Hi There Alison,

I would definitely take a look at www.turtletary.com terry Kilgore is the preeminate expert on keeping Redfoot and Cherryhead tortoises. He breeds beautiful animals and has developed fool proof husbandry practices.