The proper diet for water tortoises is a blend of grasses and hays. You can provide cuttlebone as a calcium-rich supplement. Try to limit the amount of prickly seeds in your tortoise’s diet, as these can scratch the tortoise’s eyes. Likewise, don’t feed them large amounts of cabbage. The diet of these animals should consist of 75% grasses and 25% hays.
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Feeding a water tortoise
There are several basic foods that a water tortoise needs to thrive. This species does not require a large quantity of food, and enjoys soaking in water. In addition, it only requires a small percentage of protein in its diet, as too much protein can lead to shell deformation, liver and kidney failure, and impacted bladder stones. As a general rule, tortoises do not need meat, beans, or cat/dog food.
A quarter cup of fresh food should be given to a water tortoise at least three times per day. You can vary the amount of food depending on how fast your tortoise eats. Most tortoises eat vegetables, and you should aim to make at least 80% of their diet consist of fresh food. Fruits should be served in moderation and should be no more than 5-10% of the tortoise’s diet.
Herbivorous diet
The Herbivorous diet of water tortoids should include leafy greens and small amounts of vegetables. Common leafy greens include lettuce, kale, cabbages, mushrooms, celery, carrot, and globemallow. These plants should comprise 70 percent to 80% of your water tortoise’s diet. You can also include fruits as part of your tortoise’s diet, but make sure to choose low-sugar fruits.
A diet rich in vitamins is important for your chelonian turtle. Try to provide your pet with vitamin supplements in a mix of 100 parts vitamin A, 10 parts vitamin D3, and one part vitamin E. If you are unable to prepare a fresh plant-based diet, you can use canned or dehydrated herbivore foods. Remember to monitor your tortoise’s diet carefully to make sure that you’re feeding the right foods.
Avoiding large amounts of cabbage
There are a variety of vegetables that can be used as a food source for your tortoise, but avoid providing them with soft leaves or greens, which will wear down the tortoise’s beak. Winter forms of cabbage are also OK, but they have little nutritional value. Instead, stick to vegetables that have known nutritional benefits for tortoises, such as carrots or lettuce.
Vegetables such as cabbage and root vegetables are rich in carbohydrates that are easily digested by reptiles. Avoid supplying large quantities of these vegetables, as they will contain chemicals that may affect your tortoise’s kidneys and liver. A better choice is to supply your tortoise with lettuce and fruit instead. Vegetables that mimic the natural foraging behaviors of tortoises are better suited for their diets than those that are formulated for them.
Calcium and vitamin A supplements
A few popular brands of calcium and vitamin A supplements for water tortoises are Miner-All, 100% oyster-shell calcium, and Rep-cal. The latter is phosphorous-free and should be offered once or twice a week. However, if you’re worried about toxicity, try avoiding Plaster of Paris and other calcium supplements for water tortoises. These products contain traces of heavy metals and may even be harmful to your tortoise.
While these vitamins may not seem like much, a serious vitamin deficiency can have serious consequences. Your tortoise may become limp or swollen and may show signs of disease. It may also show other signs of ill health. If your tortoise is showing signs of calcium and vitamin A deficiency, seek immediate veterinary attention. You may have noticed signs of a deficiency, such as an inactive shell or cracked skin.
Cactus flowers
Tortoises will eat cactus pads. The tips of smaller pads are tender enough to be eaten by hatchlings. The young pads are particularly nutritious. The new pads are produced at different rates throughout the growing season. It is therefore easy to provide a variety of food sources for your water tortoise. Cactus flowers may be easily prepared at home, and a simple salad can be made ahead of time and served as a regular dinner for your tortoise.
Cactus is an excellent source of calcium and is very low in calories. Its high fiber content makes it a good food source for water tortoises. You can also provide food for your tortoise by planting a variety of different types of plants. The best varieties are lemon balm, aloe vera, and turtle vine. Other varieties are dandelions, rose, clover, pansies, and cactus flowers. They will also be happy if you give them some ripe bananas.
