Eastern Hermann's just devoured a worm.

[Basil the Russian]

I was observing my juvenile eastern Hermann's tortoise eating some clover when he suddenly moved quickly (for a tortoise) about eight inches to his left and snatched up an earthworm. He proceeded to eat the whole thing. Have any of you noticed similar behavior in your tortoises? I have also noticed him try to catch small insects in the past. I was just curious about others experiences with similar behavior. Thanks.

 

[WithLisa]

Totally normal, they love animal proteins.

 

[ethan508]

Should they be limited on how many worms they catch (high protein diet seem verboten)? Or as long as you aren't feed them worms directly will they be okay diet wise?

 

[Basil the Russian]

I'm guessing he won't catch too many more so it shouldn't be a problem. I won't be feeding them to him though, even though he seemed to enjoy it.

 

[ethan508]

Let me add "asking for a friend"

 

[Gillian M]

That is expected. After all, that's what torts eat in the wild.

Please post pics of your tort and its enclosure and read the "Beginners' Mistakes" Thread.

And welcome to the forum!

 

[DPtortiose]

I sometimes feed a bit of extra protein to my animals in the form of invertebrates. Remains of beetles and other insects are commonly found in the droppings of wild tortoises. It's not something I would suggest feeding on a regular bases, but everything they catch on their own or providing a small amount is perfectly fine.

http://www.tortoiseforum.org/threads/hermanns-tortoise-and-eating-invertebrates.137817/

 

[Isaiah]

I was wondering I have eastern hermanns about 3 months he seems to be shedding on his neck just one little piece is he ok???