i understand that torts are vegetarians, which made me even more surprised when i saw my little tort trying to finish off some boiled chicken i made for the dog. is it going to make it sick? does it need protein? thanks!!
chicken
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They will eat many things that are not good for them, and protein foods like chicken are NOT good for them. Keep them away from it.
RTfanatic said:
yes... they seem to be pretty crazy about food right now.
do they need any source of protein at all (desert tortoise)? is there anything i should be adding to their diet to prepare them for hybernation?
thanks!!
I remember reading that there was a study about tortoises getting hit by cars.. They found out they werent just crossing the road, but eating roadkill... I dont know what kind.. but obviously there are some that either need the protien of calcium from bones...
Rdfoots and Yellowfoots are documented omnivores and need animal based protein for proper health. Numerous studies have shown this to be true. While other species are definitely herbivores I believe some are in need of further field research. I personally have seen Gopher Tortoises eating carrion they will even chase Turkey Buzzards away from roadkill some times. Maybe Chelonologist has more insight to the Gophers since he studied them here in Mississippi.
I am sure Chelonologist would give us more info. I have read that DT will eat carrion sometimes. The boiled chicken should not make your little one sick. I would not make a habit of feeding it chicken but this time won't hurt him. I think a lot of tortoises use many different plants and perhaps even carrion to get the needed nutrients from them. If they are low on one thing they may eat something out of the ordinary to obtain that mineral etc. Just my personal take on it.
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