what to feed red foot tortoise

Here is a sample list of some fruits it is safe to feed your red footed tortoise regularly:

• Mango
• Papaya
• Melon (cantaloupe, watermelon, et al)
• Berries (blueberries, blackberries, strawberries, et al)
• Apples (seed-free)
• Bananas (sparingly)
• Cactus fruit
• Tomatoes
• Figs
• Grapes
• Pineapple
• Plums, nectarines, peaches, apricots (pit-free)
• Hibiscus flowers
• Dandelion flowers
• Pansy flowers
• Rose flowers
• Dahlia flowers
• Marigold flowers

Full Answer

What food does a tortoise need to survive?

What can pet tortoises eat?

• Sulcata. A giant sulcata tortoise, for example, will have a diet that consists of mainly grasses and weeds. ...
• Aldabra, Leopard, and Galapagos. Like the sulcata, the leopard tortoise, Aldabra tortoises, and Galapagos tortoises have evolved to eat various grasses.
• Russian Tortoise. ...

What is your tortoises favorite food?

What is your tortoises favorite food? Thread starter alben909; Start date Jun 18, 2012; what is your tortoises favorite food honey suckle Votes: 0 0.0% hibiscus bloom Votes: 8 30.8% prickly pear cactus pads Votes: 6 23.1% prickly pear cactus fruit Votes: 2 7.7% Romain lettace Votes: 3 11.5% carrots Votes: 2 7.7% broccoli Votes: 0 0.0%

What is the best food for a tortoise?

What does a pet tortoise eat?

• Greens. The bulk of a tortoise’s diet should be fresh leafy greens. ...
• Commercial tortoise food. When fresh greens aren’t available, or to supplement your pet’s regular diet, there are many types of excellent commercial tortoise food that provide all the vitamins, minerals, ...
• Treats. ...
• Schedule. ...
• Water. ...

What do Redfoot tortoises eat?

What do Redfoot tortoises eat? They are primarily herbivorous, but in the wild have been known to feed on carrion and insects as well as flowers, fruits and vegetation. The Red-footed tortoise is named for the colorful markings on its legs, which can be anywhere from vibrant red to orange-yellow.

What do red foot tortoises like to eat?

They are primarily herbivorous, but in the wild have been known to feed on carrion and insects as well as flowers, fruits and vegetation. The Red-footed tortoise is named for the colorful markings on its legs, which can be anywhere from vibrant red to orange-yellow.

How often should a red footed tortoise eat?

We do a schedule of 2 days of food, off 2 days. For the first 2 days, greens, the next 2 days food days, fruit. Once they reach 9 months of age every 7-10 days we give them a fruit and the low fat dry cat food mix.

What protein should I feed my red footed tortoise?

While we don't offer ours a direct source of protein, they probably do take the opportunity to eat an earthworm or a grub if they come across them in their enclosures. Some keepers offer insects as a supplemental food source (waxworms, mealworms, superworms or earthworms).

What vegetables do red-footed tortoises eat?

Red foot and yellow foot tortoises, like most tortoises, are primarily herbivores. The majority of their diet should consist of dark leafy greens such as collard greens, mustard greens, beet tops, carrot tops, green and red leaf lettuce, and kale.

Can a red foot tortoise eat cucumber?

Cucumbers are low in calories, healthy, and safe for tortoises to consume. They don't contain any toxic compounds that could upset your tortoise's digestion. However, cucumber should only be offered in moderation because it mainly contains water and only small amounts of vitamins and minerals.

Can a red foot tortoise eat celery?

Celery itself is not harmful to tortoises and they can eat them in small amounts. The main issue with celery is that it has a strong taste many tortoises will not want to eat.

Do red-footed tortoises need meat?

Red-footed tortoises are generally herbivores but will eat carrion and slow-moving invertebrates such as slugs and snails: The bulk of the diet should consist of dark leafy greens and broad-leaf graze. Also offer a variety of chopped vegetables, hay, some berries, and other fruits.

Can red-footed tortoises eat carrots?

Carrots are safe for all tortoises, but they shouldn't be fed more than once a week. I suggest that you feed your Russian tortoise no more than 3 carrots at a time. The best way is to offer a variety of vegetables rather than a single vegetable.

Can red foot tortoise eat bananas?

As such, fruits like bananas compose a large part of the red-footed tortoise's diet. Aside from fruit, they also fill their diet with veggies, leafy greens, and some animal protein from insects.

Can red-footed tortoise eat apples?

10% Fruits. Grapes, apples, oranges, pears, prickly pear fruit, peaches, plums, nectarines, dates, all types of melons, strawberries, raspberries, bananas, mangos, and tomatoes. Increase to 20% for red- and yellow-footed tortoises. < 5% High-Protein Content Foods.

How long can a red foot tortoise go without food?

two to three yearsRio de Janeiro vet Jeferson Pires explained that Manuela's red-footed species of tortoise, can go for long periods without eating. He said: "They are particularly resilient and can survive for two to three years without food. In the wild they eat fruit, leaves, dead animals, even faeces."

Can red-footed tortoise eat mealworms?

Some keepers offer insects as a supplemental food source (waxworms, mealworms, superworms or earthworms). Some even offer baby mice as a protein source in the diet of their captive red-footed tortoises.

What do redfoot tortoises eat?

The vast majority of the redfoot tortoise diet should consist of various leafy greens, fruits, vegetables, grasses and other plant-based matter. What you’re backyard or garden doesn’t provide your local grocery store should carry most if not all of the plant-based foods mentioned below.

What is the diet of a redfoot tortoise?

The right redfoot tortoise diet consists of both plant- and animal-based foods. However, it is heavily weighted toward fruit and plant-derived foods and includes only a small amount of animal-based protein.

How to feed redfoot cat food?

Sprinkle the fruit/ cat food mix with Calcium Carbonate powder. “Chop/slice” everything small enough. – “bite-size”. Feed your redfoot as much as it will eat in 30 minutes. The best way is to put the food on a decent size slate, like samples you can find at Home Depot or Lowe’s.

How long does it take for a tortoise to eat fruit?

For the first 2 days, greens, the next 2 days food days, fruit. Once they reach 9 months of age every 7-10 days we give them a fruit and the low fat dry cat food mix. Mix 4-6 pellets per tortoise with the fruit and in 10-15 minutes the cat food pellets soften up.

Do redfoot tortoises eat forest tortoises?

When you consider a redfoot tortoise diet a key thing to remember is these tortoises aren’t picky about their food and have a varied diet like most forest tortoise species, but you need to ensure you have the optimal diet.

Do redfoots need calcium?

Redfoots need lots of calcium, so sprinkle your tortoise’s food with a tiny amount of a phosphorous-free calcium/Vitamin D3 supplement ever other feeding. Too much calcium can also cause problems, so be stingy. You can also keep a cuttle bone in the pen will also provide calcium.

Can redfoot tortoises have hind legs?

Animal-Based Protein. Studies indicate that a strictly vegetarian redfoot tortoise diet often leads to neurological problems like hind-leg paralysis. Low fertility rates and a general failure to thrive can also be caused by feeding a strictly vegetarian redfoot tortoise diet.

What Greens Can Red Footed Tortoises Eat?

Like most forest tortoise species, they will eat a wide variety of different foods. However, you must still ensure that they are getting properly nourished by what you’re feeding them. Red-footed tortoises are easy to acquire, are simple to take care of, remain a size that most can easily handle.

What Types Of Vegetation Should Your Redfoot Tortoise Consume?

The vast majority of its diet should consist of differing types of leafy greens, vegetables, grasses, and really any kind of fruit. Leafy greens are low in phosphorous, but high in calcium, These are important things that the redfoot needs to stay healthy.

How Much Should I Feed My Tortoise?

Outdoor tortoises will graze all day, nibbling food as they wander along, rather than eating set meals. This is because tortoises are naturally browsing creatures.

Other Food Advice

You can buy a number of different vegetables for your tortoise too of course. It is always better, however, to use food that has been grown without the use of chemicals, especially as tortoises are long-lived.

What do redfoot tortoises eat?

In the wild redfoot tortoises eat a variety of animal matter including carrion. Redfoot tortoises fed exclusively a plant based diet frequently develop hind leg paralysis. They also have low fertility and hatchlings often fail to thrive.

How often should I feed my kitten low fat cat food?

My approach is to feed pre-killed pinkies (new born mice), shrimp, chicken, organ meat, boiled eggs etc. once a month when outside.

What are the nutrients that are used to help with gout?

Purines: Purines are well known in humans as being a contributing factor in gout. Redfoot tortoises fed large amounts can develop kidney disease. Goitrogens:

What is the best food for pyramiding?

These are the pellet food that some claim to be essential to health. They typically contain soy, wheat and or rice. These are high in omega 6 fatty acids which has a negative effect on health.

Do redfoot tortoises eat greens?

They consume both animal and plant material in the wild. Most grocery stores have a decent selection of greens that redfoot tortoises readily eat. Ideally the greens should be organic and pesticide free. However this is the real world and not all tortoise keepers have access to "ideal" food.

What do red footed tortoises eat?

Include dark leafy greens like Collard, Mustard greens, Kale, Greens, Brussell Tops, Parsley and Watercress.

What temperature do red footed tortoises like?

Like most forest species, red footed tortoise thrives in tropical conditions. This means an ambient temperature of about 86 degrees during the day, that drops to no less than 78 degrees in the evenings. Since red footed tortoises require a higher humidity than most “non forest species”, it is important that evening temperatures do not fall below 78 degrees. If temperatures are too low, your baby red footed tortoise could come down with an upper respiratory infection.

How big do red footed tortoises get?

Considered a medium sized tortoise, the red footed tortoise reaches sizes of up to 15″. Most red foots will grow to around 12-14″. There are also giant amazon basin red foot subspecies that reach over 16″. This is the same for the yellow footed tortoise. The cherry head tortoise will be the smaller of the group of 3, only reaching 10-12″ on average.

How hot can a baby red foot tortoise get?

Baby Red Foot Tortoises for sale can be kept in a heated habitat with a a temperature range of 82F to 85F with a hot spot at 90F and a 10-15F temperature drop at night. As the baby red footed tortoise develops, it can be introduced to an outside pen but only during the warmer days of the summer. Remember to bring the red foot tortoise inside during the night. Explore the many facets of the red foot tortoise habitat below.

How long do red foot tortoises live?

A long lived species of tropical forest tortoise, the red footed tortoise can live as long as 90 years. Averages are anywhere from 50-90 years, however, in captivity, it is believed they can live even longer if properly cared for. Raising your baby red foot tortoise for sale into a long lived adult is a result of proper care. Proper care includes not only diet, but all habitat parameters that are required. This includes temperatures, humidity, substrate, diet, soaking schedule, etc. It is not uncommon for a baby red footed tortoise to reach the ripe old age of 75 years old, when properly taken care of!

Do red foot tortoises eat meat?

Red Foot Tortoises are opportunistic feeders and in the wild they will also eat meat if it is available and so once a fortnight it is advisable to offer a low fat cat food to your tortoise to provide it with the animal proteins it would have in its natural diet.

What do red footed tortoises eat?

In the wild, red-footed tortoises are omnivores. They eat a more extensive range of foods than many other tortoises. Leafy greens, fruits, and other vegetables make up their main diet.

How much humidity do red footed tortoises need?

Humidity. These tortoises do well in 50 percent to 70 percent humidity. A pan of water should be provided at all times for your red-footed tortoise to walk into as well as a dig box of moist organic dirt or sphagnum moss at least 6 inches deep.

How high should a red footed tortoise enclosure be?

The walls of the enclosure should be about 16 inches high and even go a few inches below the ground to prevent your red-footed tortoise from digging and escaping. You can house this tortoise indoors, but you will need a large enclosure (roughly 4 feet by 8 feet though larger is even better).

What is the best light for a tortoise?

3  All indoor enclosures should include a 10 percent fluorescent UVB tube light with a reflector to spread the UVB rays downward to the tortoise.

What is the best enclosure for a red footed tortoise?

An ideal enclosure for the red-footed tortoise is a sturdy, escape-proof enclosure outside. This species is native to tropical areas and prefers a humid climate. Set up a sprinkler or mister to increase the humidity if needed. This tortoise loves a muddy wallow or puddle for cooling off.

What are the health problems of red footed tortoises?

Common Health Problems. Red-footed tortoises are prone to several medical conditions that are treatable by an exotics veterinarian who specializes in reptiles. Shell rot: Infectious disease caused by bacteria or fungus, appears as flaky patches on the animal's shell; usually requires antibiotics 4.

How long do red footed tortoises stay in the wild?

In the wild, they spend most of their time digging and foraging. If they've eaten a large meal, however, they can spend as long as a week resting. Wild red-footed tortoises are prolific burrowers. They burrow to seek shelter, cool down from the heat, and to hide from predators.

What is a tortoise's diet?

Generally speaking, a tortoise’s diet is going to be made up of mostly leaves and various plants.

What do giant sulcata tortoises eat?

A giant sulcata tortoise, for example, will have a diet that consists of mainly grasses and weeds. That’s great, considering their size and weight make them an outdoor kind of tortoise instead of one that lives inside with you. Think of them like slow lawnmowers.

How do tortoises show affection?

They may walk toward you or pace the enclosure to get your attention. Tortoises may touch their nose to your hand or arm to show affection. This is a common behavior in the wild and is a social behavior. A tortoise or turtle roaming the house or garden may show affection by following you around.

What do Galapagos tortoises eat?

Their diet would consist of two thirds or three quarters in grasses or hay. The rest of their diet should be flowers, weeds, and greens.

What are some examples of Mediterranean tortoises?

An example of a Mediterranean tortoise is the Greek tortoise. A species of tropical tortoise would be the star tortoise. There are a lot more species of tortoises though. We only mention these two to show how similar, yet very different tortoise species can be. Honestly, their classifications get a little crazy.

What are the two groups of tortoises?

To help, this article will divide tortoises into two groups: Mediterranean tortoises, whose scientific Latin names all begin with testudo. These tortoises take up a large percentage of the tortoise population. Tropical tortoises, whose scientific Latin names generally start with geochelone.

What is a curious tortoise looking for?

A curious tortoise will likely be poking around and looking about its enclosure. She may be looking for something tasty to nibble on or just getting those steps in . A girl’s gotta keep up on that gorgeous figure after all.