Short answer: the cherry head tortoise, a color form of the red-footed tortoise, should eat mostly dark leafy greens, weeds and flowers, with a small amount of fruit and only occasional animal protein. Daily calcium and good humidity matter as much as the food itself.
What to feed
- Staple greens and weeds (about 70 percent or more): dandelion greens and flowers, mustard and collard greens, endive, escarole, turnip greens and hibiscus leaves and flowers.
- Vegetables: squash, bell pepper and shredded carrot in small amounts.
- Fruit (about 10 to 20 percent): melon, papaya, mango and berries. Red-foots enjoy fruit, but too much sugar can cause digestive upset and parasites to flourish.
- Animal protein (occasional): a small portion of earthworms, snails or low-fat cooked egg a couple of times a month. Do not feed dog or cat food as a regular item.
Foods to limit or avoid
Skip spinach and beet greens as staples because they are high in oxalates that bind calcium. Avoid iceberg lettuce, which has little nutrition, and processed human foods, dairy, bread and anything with additives.
Supplements
Dust food with a calcium powder a few times a week, and provide a cuttlebone to nibble. If your tortoise lives indoors without UVB lighting, ask a reptile vet about vitamin D3. UVB light and daytime warmth help the tortoise absorb calcium.
Water and humidity
Red-footed tortoises come from humid forests. Provide a shallow water dish for soaking, keep the enclosure humid and soak young tortoises in shallow warm water a few times a week to keep them hydrated.
Feeding schedule
- Babies and juveniles: feed daily.
- Adults: feed daily or most days, in portions about the size of their shell.
Remove uneaten fresh food after a few hours to prevent mold.
Substrate safety
Use a moisture-holding substrate such as cypress mulch or coconut coir mixed with topsoil. Avoid dry sand or fine gravel, which can cause impaction if swallowed.
Related reading
See calcium-rich foods for tortoises, Hermann’s tortoise food list and whether tortoises can eat bell peppers.
This is general information. See a reptile veterinarian if your tortoise stops eating, has soft shell areas or has runny eyes.
Bottom Line
Feed mostly leafy greens and weeds, small amounts of fruit and rare protein, add calcium and UVB, and keep humidity up. A reptile vet can fine-tune the diet.
