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Re: Russian tort questions


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Posted by tcc on January 04, 2001 at 01:44:23:

In Reply to: Russian tort questions posted by Beth on January 03, 2001 at 20:37:22:

: I got a russian tortoise over the summer, he used to be very active and eat a lot but now all he does is sleep. I live in Wisconsin, so he probably wants to hibernate, but I know I shouldn't let him since it's my first year with him. If I take him out of his enclosure, he is alert and will walk around, but only to find another sleeping spot. Occasionally I can get him to eat, are frisee and radiccio good for him? I haven't seen these mentioned on diet lists but he seems to enjoy them. He's going to the vet next week for a checkup, but I wanted to know if there are things I can do for him in the meantime. Thanks

Resisting the urge to hibernate is so hard for these guys. I would bump up the heat (if there is enought room for him to properly thermo regulate)and keep water availble at all times.
I dont know what frisee is, but radicia is good. I will paste a list of the better foods below and send a link to a group that may be of help too.
Take care,
tcc :)
These are the better of the easily obtainable foods:
(Remember, think variety)
Regularly:
Dandelion, Chicory, Clover, Escarole, Radicchio, Endive, Opuntia Cactus
(despined or smooth) Watercress,Plantain, Chickweed, Other misc. edible
weeds- (not chemically treated) Hibiscus flowers and leaves, Grape leaves,
Mulberry leaves, Sow thistle and Romaine.
Many keepers that I have spoken with report that their Russians relish fresh
Orchard hay.

Occasionally: Squash, Sweet Potatoes, Fig leaves, Carrots, Carrot
Tops,Romaine, Red Leaf Lettuce, Turnip Greens, Apples, Collard greens,
Mustard Greens,

Rarely: Kale, Swiss chard, Broccoli, Bokchoy, Iceberg lettuce, Parsley,Beet
Greens, Fruit in general.

*Never* feed Spinach, Cabbage, Green Beans, Or any kind of beans for that
matter.

GETTING THEM TO EAT HEALTHIER FOODS:
Mixing larger portions of things your tort likes in chopped "salads"
and slowly cut back on "treat" foods in this mix, is one way to get them
adjusted to a better diet.
If you tort is healthy and has water available at all times, it wont hurt
them to go a couple days w/o food, esp. if it helps them
to be hungry enough to appreciate a healthier diet.
You might also try putting a bit of squash (or some other foods that they
especially like) in the blender and pouring this over the new foods that
your introducing. This is a good chance to sneak extra Calcium in if needed.

For more information on why foods above are listed as they are, please
visit the links below.
http://www.micronet.net/users/~turtles/turtlefood.html
http://home.earthlink.net/~rednine/nutrient.htm
http://www.tortoise.org/general/tntdiet.html
http://www.geocities.com/RainForest/Vines/5504/min.html
Tortoises Trust FAQ Turtle / Tortoise Frequently Asked Questions:
http://www.tortoisetrust.org/care/faq.html



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