How I guess this got started...

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Posted by EJ on May 13, 2002 at 11:39:53:

In Reply to: Re: Hold off on the cat food... posted by Jon on May 13, 2002 at 10:01:49:

was that it is well documented that certain tortoises, especially Redfoots, eat carrion. Well, one thing probably led to another until one tortoise keeper who probably also kept snakes figured, 'what the hell' and pitched the tortoise a mouse. (as I did). It blew me away how this tortoise litterally attacked the mouse. This was a treat for the tortoise. As I said it is a complete unit so it is as ballanced a protien diet you are going to find. I also stress that this be done on an infrequent basis (once every week or two and one pink for a hatchling.) and only with Redfoots (for now). Now, it's possible that this is a mistake and you try this at your own risk but this is how I base my decision.
1- It is well documented they eat carrion in the wild.
2- They obviously have an affinity for it.
3- Other keepers (experienced and successful keepers) have been doing this for years with no adverse effects.
4- There is no indication or evidence that this will do any harm.
Only time will tell if it is a necessity or a deterrent. I just pitch em in whole and walk away.
I've come across more than one anecdotal story where a tortoise appeared to actuall hunt and kill a mouse. Funny as it seems they are very compelling stories.

ps - I buy my mice frozen in lots of 1000.
Ed

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: was that it is well documented that certain tortoises, especially Redfoots, eat carrion. Well, one thing probably led to another until one tortoise keeper who probably also kept snakes figured, 'what the hell' and pitched the tortoise a mouse. (as I did). It blew me away how this tortoise litterally attacked the mouse. This was a treat for the tortoise. As I said it is a complete unit so it is as ballanced a protien diet you are going to find. I also stress that this be done on an infrequent basis (once every week or two and one pink for a hatchling.) and only with Redfoots (for now). Now, it's possible that this is a mistake and you try this at your own risk but this is how I base my decision. : 1- It is well documented they eat carrion in the wild. : 2- They obviously have an affinity for it. : 3- Other keepers (experienced and successful keepers) have been doing this for years with no adverse effects. : 4- There is no indication or evidence that this will do any harm. : Only time will tell if it is a necessity or a deterrent. I just pitch em in whole and walk away. : I've come across more than one anecdotal story where a tortoise appeared to actuall hunt and kill a mouse. Funny as it seems they are very compelling stories. : <center><img src="http://members.cox.net/pirog/CarnivorousRedfoot.jpg"></center> : ps - I buy my mice frozen in lots of 1000. : Ed

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