The Best Pet Tortoise Diet?

Posted on 08. Apr, 2009 by Gary in Care, Products, Tortoises

I’ve had my pet tortoises MJ and Bubbles for years now. They eat a whole range of different foods and I try to vary their diet as much as I can. I think that their top notch diet is a main factor in making them the healthy characters they are today. I thought I’d share what they eat with you so you can also treat your tortoises to the best food possible. MJ and Bubbles are Hermans Tortoises so their diet is suitable for european species. Please remember that african tortoises have different nutritional requirements and they should be catered for differently.

I get their food from both the supermarket and the garden. I’ll list below what I can get from each.

Supermaket

Curly Kale, Spring Greens, Watercress, Grated Carrot, Peppers, Parsnips, Courgettes, Leafy Salads (not Iceberg Lettuce) & small amounts of Non-Citric Fruit.

Garden

Dandelions, Parsley, Corriander, Yarrow, Hedge Bedstraw, Chickweed, Knapweed, Clover & Honeysuckle.

I have found my guys are thriving on this diet. If you are ever unsure whether something is safe for your tortoise to eat, don’t risk it! As my tortoises are still growing I dust all of their food in Nutrobal to ensure they are getting the correct nutritional balance from their diet. For those times when I run low on fresh food, I must admit I do keep a tub of their favourite T-Rex dried food in the cupboard. Whenever I use dry foods I always make sure they are well soaked in water to prevent dehydrating my tortoises.

Water

I never have a water bowl in my vivarium, it makes it far too humid potentially making my pets ill. In the wild tortoises will drink water as they encounter it, usually after rainfall. They will drink fresh water and empty their bladder, effectively swapping the old for the new. Tortoises are incredibly efficient with their water and go for long periods without. I don’t deprive MJ and Bubbles, I give them a tepid bath every other day where they can drink and go to the toilet as much as they like. I do make sure that the water is changed as soon as they have done their business so they don’t drink it!

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Tags: t-rex tortoise food, tortoise

44 Responses to “The Best Pet Tortoise Diet?”

Gloria Moore

05. May, 2009

We have two tortoises for 30 years now, unfortunately male became ill shortly after coming out of hibernation in March, he died last Monday, he was being treated by vet for pha, though i think it was more than that. Just refused to eat, lathargic, and sleeping mst of the time, i think he had just had enough. We are having him cremated, couldn’t bear the thought of burying him, going to get a little casket, maybe scatter his ashes one day. Female torty is fine, eating well and seems ok, dunno if he misses him though, may do in her own way. Would like to give a home to another female butnot sure of any tortys needing homes. We’ll miss him as he was a little charachter, but e had a lovely life and was happy. X

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janine beezer

09. May, 2009

Just a quick question can tortoises eat tomatoes?

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janine beezer

09. May, 2009

I am now really confused. I have just read the tortoise trusts book on keeping a meditarean tortiose which has given me completely different information to where I bought my tortoise.

The tortoise trust say not to keep your tortoise in a vivarium, or to use reptile wood chippings as a flooring which is exactly what the seller said to do.

Please help. x

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Gary

11. May, 2009

Hi Janine

Tortoises love tomatoes but they are too acidic for them so best to avoid them.

With regards to the best enclosure we have tried all of the commonly available ‘tortoise homes’ over the past 15 years and have had the best results with wooden vivariums. Whichever you have the most important thing is that you have the correct temperature gradient in it i.e cool end and hot end and that the viv is well ventilated.

My own tortoises at home are kept in a vivarium with wood chippings as a substrate and they are thriving.

With any aspect of reptile keeping there is always debate with regards to the best way of doing things and we all draw from our own experiences. I would not worry about your set up but if you have any questions about ANYTHING please get back to me

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janine beezer

10. Aug, 2009

Hi Gary,

I have had my tortoise a while now and all seems to be well, but is it normal for then to have dry flakey skin?

thanks
Janine

Reply to this comment
- Gary
  
  17. Aug, 2009
  
  Hi Janine, tortoises are naturally dry animals. Just check the skin isn’t split or sore which would indicate a problem. Regular bathing, every other day, will be providing your tortoise with adequate hydration. If you are worried feel free to email me a picture or drop her in the shop one day.
  
  Reply to this comment
clair

14. Aug, 2009

i persume you get paid to advertise but even i wouldnt want money for advertising a food that can harm my tortoise”s pellet food is a huge no no you should feed them on fresh weeds like they would eat in the wild or supplement with lettuce like endive raddicio lambs lettuce romaine lettuce.
tortoise tables are much more tortoise friendly better than a viv were they can get to hot also in a viv the tortoise is at risk of stressing itself out thinking it can get through the glass.
substrate is up to the person i use topsoil/play sand because my hermanns love to dig in it and its more natural to them. water is left in the tortoise table 24-7 changed daily because they DO like to have a drink.
my torts go outside daily depending on weather (ie: heavy rain and freezing cold they stay indoors)

there is no better uvb than the sun so i hope you allow your torts the freedom of being outside???

Reply to this comment
- Gary
  
  17. Aug, 2009
  
  Hi Clair, thank you for your comments I can see that you are a huge tort lover.
  
  We do not get paid to advertise products on our blog. I agree with you that a green leafy diet for tortoises is the best. That is the bulk of our tortoise’s diet in the shop, supplemented with a few grated root veg and dried herbs and flowers. My own tortoises at home occassionally have a soaked dry pellet but I stress this is occassionally i.e I’m away and have no fresh food in the house.
  
  I hope my blog wasn’t misleading people into thinking this was in any way a complete diet or a long term substitute.
  
  Over the past 15 years we have used various enclosures for torts including tables and definately found vivariums the best. Our vivs are well ventilated so provide good airflow, if the temperature was too warm we would see this indicated on the thermometers on there. I personally do not find a problem with them trying to get through the glass but I certainly accept your view on this.
  
  It’s very difficult to recommend people keeping there tortoises outdoors. A tortoise requires 75oF just to get the gut fauna working but will bask between 90oF-100oF, we don’t get that in our gardens. Where are the 100,000s of tortoises that were imported as ‘garden pets’ now? Most perished, a small percentage adapted to this outdoor life and they are the ones we see living outdoors today. As they have adapted to this lifestyle it would be potentially harmful to expect them to adapt again to a ‘correct’ environment and so they are better off outside.
  
  I let my tortoises run around outside if we have a nice summers day but even then they cool down from the temperature they should be kept at. I do have to disagree with you on one point though, the sunlight we recieve in this country is not as good a UVB source as proper UV lighting. As a tortoise keeper this is something I have tested myself with a radiometer.
  
  I do agree that tortoises DO like to drink. As semi arid animals they have evolved to conserve water and drink fresh as they encounter it, replacing the old water in the system with new. We provide access to fresh drinking water every other day. This replicates a more natural drinking behaviour for tortoises (if not ourselves!). It also prevents torts sitting in water they have deficated in which is potentially harmful.
  
  Many thanks again for your post Clair it’s always good to talk to people with different views.
  
  Reply to this comment
Lori cm

31. Aug, 2009

i have 2 tortoises….10 and the other one is like 2.im still learning what is best for them. please post anything that would help me. i love them too much to let them go.

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Cathy

07. Sep, 2009

Hi there…. Just wanted to say i was in the shop on Saturday 05th Sept)and had a most valuable conversation with Sam who gave me more help and advice than i could have hoped for. Ended up buying a whole new viv/setup but feel much happier now. My Indian Star tortoise will get the best care i can give her. Thanks to you guys! this feed guide really helps too…. Keep up the good work your the best!

Reply to this comment
- Gary
  
  07. Sep, 2009
  
  Hi Cathy, glad you had a nice time when you came in on Saturday. Indian Stars are absolutely beautiful tortoises! Just note that this blog is aimed at mediterranean tortoises. But, if you ever need any info on yours, you know where we are. I’ve just mentioned your message to Sam and she is very happy that you and your tort are both happy!
  
  Reply to this comment
Cathy

08. Sep, 2009

I have a question!!! Bet you wish i never came into your shop now!!!
Should i be worming my Indian star? I bought her from a breeder a year ago and she is about 18 months old now. If so what and how!!
Thanks in advance
Cathy

Reply to this comment
- Gary
  
  11. Sep, 2009
  
  Hi Cathy. Questions are a good thing!! Give Sam a call to talk about worming, she will fill you in 01604 753823
  
  Reply to this comment
Faith and Daisy E. (Hermann Torty)

29. Sep, 2009

We are discussing on our tortoise group http://tortoiseandturtlelove.ning.com about what plants are good for creating a Tortoise Garden – which plants / weeds do you suggest that work well? Thank you!

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chris

11. Nov, 2009

my tortoise keep eating dog and fox poo will this harm them .

Reply to this comment
- Gary
  
  12. Nov, 2009
  
  Hi Chris, it’s not the greatest diet! Tortoises will eat feaces if they encounter them in the wild too though so it’s quite natural. It does mean they are heavily at risk from internal parasites that are transmitted this way. You will need to have them regularly wormed.
  
  Reply to this comment
Stuart

23. Nov, 2009

Hey,
My Hermans Tortoise Trevor ) is 5 years old, it has not been hibernated before, was told and reccomended not to do so however for the vast majority of the year we keep it inside in a very good viv habitat with regular green leafy food and veg but ever so lately he just wants out of his viv and wants to run around the floor and find a nice quiet spot to hide for days on end, is this normal not to see him for a few days and at what age would or size would a tortoise be considered too old or too big for a viv?

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toutoise lover

27. Dec, 2009

hey

My hoursefield tourtoise is also not hibernated due to the shops advice! she has recently been acting as if she wants to get out of the viv alot more!?… that is not my main problem this is that at night for hours it sounds like she is clawing at the side of the viv to get out or maybe dig? i cannot sleep with this overly load noise so need to get this sorted?? ..

someone help pleasee!!!

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Steve

09. Feb, 2010

Hi,
i have 1 of european tortoises species, i sometimes wish they could eat some bugs, most kinds of vegi, some fruit, but it doesnt eat but lettuce i tried cucumber skin they dont even eat those, is this natural? in the wild they just eat lettuce? i mean if some vegi isnt delicious for them then what is in the wild, i tried some leaves from the garden but it just like smell it then turn around, wow they sure are lettuce addicts

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Abadi

09. Feb, 2010

Hey Gary.

I have 2 pet baby Tortoises from the european species, i havent checked yet bout their sex but i heard that if you put 2 MALE tortoises in one viv, they could have an awful fight that may end one of them killed, is that true? i got afraid so i put them each in its own XSmall viv. i feel like theyre really not liking it so decided to put both in one big viv to live their lives happy, i gotta ask you guys bout that first hope a reply.

thanks, i posted the same comment but had a mistake that posted it in the new arrivals, hope its better here and easier to get an answer bout my tortoises

Reply to this comment
- Gary
  
  11. Feb, 2010
  
  2 males could fight when mature. Unfortunately as babies you can’t sex them with 100% certainty.
  
  If they seem happy together I would carry on with that, you will soon see if one starts to bully the other. If this happens you will just need to seperate them.
  
  Hope this helps
  
  Reply to this comment
Abadi

11. Feb, 2010

Yes, Thanks that helped me alot.

one is a little bigger than the other but it often climb over the little one when i put em together because it wants to get out.
but i dont think this is bullying the other, maybe thats normal but i thought of that baby male tortoises wouldnt fight only after they become older but i should care of watching them everytime, thanks alot tho

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Leanne

11. Feb, 2010

Hi, I am new to keeping a tortoise. I’ve had her about six weeks now (I believe to be a girl, pet shop could not advise but my own research has). She is a horsfield, I was told about 3-4 yrs old. She was very lively over the weekend but then on Tuesday seem ver lethargic. Also, she dioreah twice but then did a solid white poo! (in the bath I must say, does very little poo’s naturally but always in a bath). I dust her food with the calcium supplement and have a viv with both uvb and basking lights. As I only got her in the winter I have not hibernated, not sure she ever has. Seems a little more lively again. Should I be worried or was she just having an off day? Also, some sites say you can feed cabbage, others say don’t. I don’t and have not for about 4 weeks as I’m unsure.

Can anyone please advise. I would be greatful for any comments as I’m new to this and want to do my best for her.

Thanks

Leanne

Reply to this comment
- Gary
  
  11. Feb, 2010
  
  Hi Leanne, I’d like to point you in the direction of the care sheet on our website which has far more information than I can type here.
  
  Click here to see the care sheet
  
  It sounds to me like she ate something that upset her digestion as it came and went so fast but if it happens again email or call me.
  
  Reply to this comment
Leanne

11. Feb, 2010

thanks, I’ll take a look. read a lot of care sheets and a lot have conflicting advice (like the cabbage situ).

thank you, I’ll read now

Reply to this comment
- Gary
  
  11. Feb, 2010
  
  yes there is definately a lot of conflicting information out there. Sam who helped me put the sheet together has around 50 tortoises at home in her sanctuary plus manages our shop, the sheets are all written based on a collective experience of about 50 years, I hope you find it useful but please feel free to ask any questions!
  
  Reply to this comment
Leanne

11. Feb, 2010

I have not fed her anything different, prob just an ‘off day’. do you have any info on breeding. I am interested but won’t for at least a couple of years or so. Got to keep a happy tortoise first!!! and learn much more myself.

Reply to this comment
- Gary
  
  11. Feb, 2010
  
  don’t have any literature on breeding but will be happy to help when the time comes. It can be easily done at home
  
  Reply to this comment
Abadi

12. Feb, 2010

I Have 2 questions, Gary, do all tortoises need hibernation? and do they need a heater in hot seasons? example summer.

Reply to this comment
- Gary
  
  12. Feb, 2010
  
  Not all tortoises hibernate. Always check first!
  
  Reply to this comment
Abadi

12. Feb, 2010

For Baby tortoises, should they begin eating grubs , or is that when they become adults, my tortoises eat any leaves such as Lettuce, Any tree/plant’s leaves (i dont feed them tree/plants leaves) they also come to a plastic artifical plant and try eat it when their hungry and they never eat non greenish vegis such as carrots and tomatoes, are they healthy at eating just lettuce or should i start giving them all kinds of vegis?

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Abadi

12. Feb, 2010

forgot 1 question about european species tortoises, How big do they grow when theyre full adults?

i know have alot of questions hehe, but i really appreciate your help and your laws are very interesting.

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Abadi

12. Feb, 2010

I dont put a water bowl in my pet tortoises vivarium either but, i dont bath them, or what you call put them in a bowl of water everyday, i do it once-twice a week, is that good or should i do it every other day, maybe every 2 days

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Abadi

13. Feb, 2010

Another question! , When should i keep lighting based on the vivarium, day time or night time..?

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Abadi

13. Feb, 2010

Cant stop asking questions when i read health care , Is it important to use Nutrobal Vitamins and Minirals or they could also get that from their diet , i dont use that.

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Abadi

15. Feb, 2010

Curious to know answers of my questions, sorry to spam the page with so many comments of mine one after another! i wish i could delete some of these quest.s that i figured out their answers. i so really need to know since i wanna aford too much care for my pets as possible.

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Joise Lapito

17. Feb, 2010

joice lapito hola soy de puerto rico occidental

hola puedo abrir mi tortuga luz del día y la noche vivero o sólo de noche?
he traducido al inglés, porque este i dont know inglés

Hi do i open my tortoise vivarium light day and night time or just night time or just day time? i need an answer since im new keeping a pet tortoise.
Translated By Google Translaters.

Reply to this comment
- Gary
  
  17. Feb, 2010
  
  Hi Joise,
  
  Both lights (heat and UVB) should be on during the day only. Mediterranean tortoises in the UK do not require additional light or heat in their vivarium during the day. Your requirements would depend on your species of tortoise and the country you live in.
  
  Reply to this comment
Joise Lapito

18. Feb, 2010

yo veo, yo vivo en puerto rico y mi tortuga es de la especie mediterranean, muchas gracias por ayudar .

I see , i live in Puerto Rico and my tortoise is from mediterranean species of tortoises Thanks alot for help.
(Translated)

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Gemma Hoe

18. Feb, 2010

Hi, What Exact species are the green tortoises in the first picture above? My tortoise is so similar to them but its kinda brownish to tan not greenish, really same paterns.
Are these baby Hermans?

Reply to this comment
- Gary
  
  18. Feb, 2010
  
  They are indeed baby hermanns, the spur thighed does look very similar at a glance though. The care for them is exactly the same, so it doesn’t really matter if you are not 100% certain.
  
  Reply to this comment
Gemma Hoe

18. Feb, 2010

Cool, my torty is so similar but brownish and has really bright tan spurs on its thigh, does that means it is a herman or a spur thighed?

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Kay

28. Apr, 2010

Hi i got a Herman Tortoise yesterday 27/04/2010 as a present from my boyfriend. Hes 4 years old (the tortoise not my boyfriend) and hes in a viv with a uv light and a bulb light and he has a heat mat at the bottom of his viv on the side under the bulb. Is this correct? i did have water in there for him but im taking it out after reading ur posts. Ive been reading other websites that says a viv is bad and it will kill him is this true. Im so worried. Also the reptile shop where my boyfriend got Ralph (my tortoise) gave us a leaflet that said feed him every other day do i put his food in his viv. (ive got the calcium powder to put on it) i did this and it dried up so im guessing not as he didnt eat it. he ate some carrot before that i fed him by hand. Also how do i bath him. I know its a stupid question but i thought you just dipped them in shallow water then after watching a video on you tube the man on there was showering his. HELP im so confused and the more i look at other websites the more i think im doing wrong. I have got an enclosure for him in the garden which when the weather is nice i put him in for a while. is this ok to do because other websites are saying they should be always outside. I leave both his lights on for 12 hours a day then turn them both off. Im taking him to the vets for a check up on tue so im going armed with a list of questions. Just thought id ask your advice because yours has seemed to be the most helpful so far. One more quick question is he ok to walk around my living room because i put him down and he wonders around then goes into a dark corner. Please let me know if im doing anything wrong.

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Rita

24. Jun, 2010

Thanx for the info Gary. We will have our turtles soon. I hope.

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Northampton Reptile Centre

The Best Pet Tortoise Diet?

44 Responses to “The Best Pet Tortoise Diet?”

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