Aldabra tortoises tend to be grazers, yet these creatures can also be quite adaptable and will eat whatever is readily available, including grasses, weeds and grocery greens.
Atoll elephants are the dominant animal on their atoll and provide similar services as elephants in Africa and Asia. While looking for food they destroy shrubs and small trees which opens pathways or clearings for other species.
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Grass and Weeds
Aldabra tortoises are herbivorous creatures, though they will consume woody plants and grass in their enclosure. Therefore, it’s advisable to plant some weeds or grass in its outdoor enclosure in order to provide it with food sources naturally.
Grass and weeds provide tortoises with essential calcium and phosphorous nutrients, while their inclusion helps prevent an build-up of uric acid which could otherwise lead to scute pyramiding.
Supplement your tortoise’s diet with high quality, phosphate free calcium and vitamin D3 supplements at least weekly; more often in cases of juveniles or egg-laying females.
Vegetables
Aldabra tortoises are herbivorous animals in their natural environment and will graze on grasses, broadleaf plants and fallen fruit for sustenance. If given the chance, they may also partake in meat consumption.
Vegetables make an excellent addition to their diet and are an excellent source of essential vitamins. Cats especially enjoy munching on kale, mustard greens, turnips, collards, and dandelion greens!
Tortoises should never be given anything that might obstruct their shells or skin as this could lead to shell rot – an increasingly prevalent issue among reptiles. Furthermore, it’s crucial that they receive ample water; adding a mud hole into their enclosure will ensure they remain hydrated during cooler temperatures or rainstorms.
Fruits
Aldabra tortoises are both grazers and browsers, feeding on grasses, herbs, woody plants, fruits, seeds and invertebrates as well as carrion. When in search of food they often alter their habitat by clearing pathways of low-growing vegetation to make way for searching and eating activities.
Tortoises can be left outside year-round, provided their owners provide them with a heated house for colder climates and bring them indoors on days that are cool, rainy or windy. If they do spend their night outside though, provide shelters so as to prevent freezing or overheating of the tortoise.
Seeds
Aldabra tortoises are herbivorous in nature and spend most of their lives feeding on grass, herbaceous plants, berries, flowers and fallen fruit; occasionally browsing woody plants too. As with other reptiles they will also consume vegetables when available.
Therefore, seed mixes are ideal as long as they don’t become overcrowded in a tortoise’s enclosure. Before feeding it should be soaked to help it germinate quickly and compete less for sustenance with other seeds in its enclosure.
Cuttlebone
Tortoises are herbivorous animals that feed on grasses, dark leafy greens, and woody plant stems for their nutrition. In addition to this diet they may supplement it with carrion or decaying flesh as a source of sustenance.
Individual tortoise responses to approach tests and food interactions events were divided into two principal components labelled boldness and avoidance, consistent with personality characteristics observed across other Chelonia species.
Cuttlebone is an all-natural source of calcium and other minerals and trace elements, perfect for tortoises who love chewing it; parrots also love it as it polishes their beaks to keep them short and sharp. Available at pet stores with some offering additional vitamins or flavors.
Vitamins
Aldabra tortoises are predominantly herbivorous creatures; however, in the wild, they will consume small invertebrates and carrion. Prepared foods include kale, collard greens and other leafy vegetables rich in vitamins; as well as fruits like melons. However, cheese, boiled eggs or pizza should never be given to these tortoises, even though such items might be “recommended” online or in books.
Protein can be obtained in their natural habitat through grasses, flowers and seeds that tortoises consume, so supplementation should occur at least twice per week and more often for young tortoises or egg-laying females.
