Eating problems

[Ria Marie]

I am having a hard time with getting my Russian Tortoise to eat different greens. The only thing she will eat is Romaine Lettuce. I've given her Collard Greens and Kale and she won't eat it. I dont know much about Tortoises. So is it okay for her to only eat Romaine Lettuce?

 

[wellington]

No, it's not okay. You need to trick him into eating other things. Cut all foods up small, except the romaine. Chop the romaine a bit bigger then the other stuff. Spritz with water and mix it up. He will have to eat the other stuff to get the romaine. As he gets used to eating the other stuff, use less and less romaine

 

[Ria Marie]

I've tried that with the pellets. I pushed them through the romaine and somehow she avoids it. Shes very stubborn and I don't want to starve her. What other foods should I try?

 

[Grandpa Turtle 144]

Hi


Torts are like kids all they want is candy you have to make them eat their vegy's !

 

[Ria Marie]

Haha, okay. Now, how often should I be feeding her?

 

[Grandpa Turtle 144]

Haha, okay. Now, how often should I be feeding her?

In the wild all they do is walk and eat !

 

[Cowboy_Ken]

how often should I be feeding her?

Daily if not twice daily.

 

[saginawhxc]

All of the above advice is spot on.

Be prepared for a battle of wills though. I had a rescued Russian that basically didn't eat anything for months. Now he rushes his food pile the second I put it down.

 

[Tidgy's Dad]

I just put a quantity of food down in the morning.
If it's all gone in the evening, it wasn't enough and you put more down the next day.
If there's some left it was enough.
They'll eat what they are given when they're hungry.
You are the boss.
And they won't overeat if they've got the space to exercise.

 

[Ria Marie]

Hmm okay, how much do I feed her? Since she didnt eat the Kale and Collard Greens should I force her to eat that or substitute it with some other type of greens?

 

[Tidgy's Dad]

I would offer a nice variety, see what she likes.
But only of the healthy stuff.

 

[Jodie]

Provide a mix everyday. Feed the same mix everyday until it is all eaten. They will usually eat a pile about the same size as them. When I am trying to make them eat new foods I feed a little less. Hunger is the best tool you have. Add additional foods one at a time slowly.
Persistence is key.