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Re: African spur thigh tortise, picky eater?


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Posted by Terry on April 29, 2000 at 12:06:52:

In Reply to: African spur thigh tortise, picky eater? posted by Tana Maxwell on April 28, 2000 at 22:40:04:

: Does anyone out there know what spur thigh tortises eat besides lettuce. I got dog food for protein, but she won't any veggies but lettuce. Help! What about fruit?>>>

Is your tortoise a Sulcata, ( African Spurred Tortoise)? Or a Testudo ibera/ graeca? ( Spur Thighed)

Some people mistakingly call sulcatas Spur Thighs, which is incorrect.
This really confuses things as the diet for the two species is quite different.
Sulcatas should not be fed any animal protein ( dog food)or any fruit or veggies, they require a LOW protein High fiber diet.Grasses, clovers, hibiscus, opuntia , dandelions etc.
Sulcatas are grazing herbivores, happiest when grazing outside on grasses and other edible ( non toxic) plants.
If your sulcata is housed indoor you can offer a variety of leafy greens, Endive, Romaine, chicory, dandelions, musstard greens, red and green leaf lettuce, escarole, collard greens, ( NEVER iceburg lettuce)
You MUST offer a variety daily not just one type, to add the much needed fiber mix in freshly clipped grass ( free of pestisides and fertilizer)
and ground Timothy Hay.
So if you have a sulcata stop feeding the dog food and veggies, and don't feed it fruit.
None are recommended foods for a sulcata and will quickly lead to digestive and other health problems.
Including deformed growth.

In fact even with any species that does require protein, dog food isn't recommended.
Please tell us the scientific name of your tortoise so more advise can be given.
Below is a link to the Tortoise Trust web site, look in the care sheet section for a sulcatas care sheet.
Also check out the link section for links to other Tortoise sites.
Marissa will probably reply also with a link to her care sheet, and more advise for you.
I also recommeed subscribing to the Tortoise Trust discussion list, look for a link at the Tortoise Trusts home page on the left.
Many experts, veterinarians and long term keepers are subscrtibed.
Also scroll down this forum and go through ALL the sulcata posts, you will learn a lot and find links to care sheets etc.
Terry.




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