Tortoises have high calcium requirements and should be given calcium carbonate without phosphorus. Cuttlefish bone is preferable to chicken eggshells, which have a hard outer layer. Do not feed calcium with added vitamin D3 unless the tortoise is kept in a sunny area. You can also provide vitamin preparations that are free of pesticides and fertilizers. Always keep a shallow dish of clean water nearby.
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Grass hay
Grass hay for desert tortoids is a great way to increase your tortoise’s nutritional intake and improve its health. These hays mimic their natural diet and provide a healthy source of fiber and enrichment. A large percentage of grass hays is high in fiber, which helps maintain digestive health and produce solid stools.
Grass hay should be provided on a feeding platform, and cactus fruits should be given occasionally, depending on availability. During the active months, a shallow puddle of water must be provided at least twice per week. In addition, a substrate free of gravel, sand, or any other surface should be provided.
In addition to grass hay, desert tortoises can also be fed on leafy greens, vegetables, and fruits. The best way to grow this type of food is to plant it in your tortoise’s enclosure. This is simple, and will add variety to your tortoise’s diet.
Dark greens
Desert tortoises should be fed a variety of plant foods, including fruits and vegetables. Some species can also eat peppers and butternut squash, but other tortoises may not tolerate fruit as well. If you cannot provide your tortoise with native plants, you can substitute commercial produce with dark greens. These vegetables are rich in vitamins and minerals and can act as a short-term supplement to grasses.
A high-fiber diet is essential for your tortoise, and it will appreciate the addition of broadleaf weeds as well. It can also graze on grass in the garden. Herbs and vegetables will also add extra nutrients to its diet. In addition to vegetables, your tortoise may enjoy fresh fruit and berries.
A variety of dark green leafy vegetables can make up at least twenty percent of the diet of your desert tortoise. These greens are rich in vitamins and minerals and should be served in a dish, away from any gravel or sand. You may also occasionally offer your tortoise small amounts of fruits, but remove the stems and seeds.
Cuttlefish
A cuttlebone can be a good source of calcium and vitamins for your desert tortoise. These huge bones are surprisingly inexpensive and can be found in most pet stores. They are usually packaged and may have the hard shell removed. However, if you’re in an area where cuttlefish are scarce, you can collect your own bones from the beach.
One of the best sources of calcium and phosphorus is cuttlefish bone. This is a high-quality calcium source and helps to keep the beak from growing too long. However, you should only use cuttlefish bone as a supplement and not as the primary source of calcium.
You can also try other sources of calcium for your desert tortoise, including eggshells. However, home-prepared eggshells are not recommended because they contain contaminants such as membrane traces. A cuttlefish bone is a popular secondary source of calcium for tortoises because it floats freely in water and contains calcium carbonate, calcium phosphate, magnesium salts, and micro-trace elements. Cuttlefish bones have been used for centuries as calcium supplements for tortoises.
Fruits
Fruits can be a wonderful treat for your desert tortoise, but only when offered in moderation. Fruits contain a lot of sugar and water, which can interfere with your tortoise’s digestive process. Try to limit your tortoise’s intake to a few pieces of fruit per month.
You can offer your tortoise fruit once or twice a week. Apples, bananas, figs, strawberries, and melons are good choices. You can also add calcium supplements to the food to help your tortoise grow strong. However, you must never feed your tortoise on dirt. It can ingest dirt and soil, so try feeding it on a grassy surface or a flat rock instead.
Fresh water is also essential for your tortoise. You should provide a shallow dish for daily drinking, and give it a bath once or twice a week. Water helps the tortoise to stay hydrated and urinate properly.
