Switching from commercial diet to real diet!

[SullyGurl]

Hey kids,

I have had my Sulcata for almost five years. She was a rescue from my Aunt who purchased her on a whim from a pet store. During this whole time, I've had her on a commercial diet (plus some greens everyday) from ZooMed and T-Rex brands. Is this a good way to go? Or should I try to ween her onto more of a 'raw foods' diet?

Thanks in advance for any and all advice!
Alyssa

 

[Yvonne G]

Hi Alyssa:

Welcome to the Tortoise Forum!!

At five years of age, a sulcata should be a pretty good size. It should be big enough to live outside during good weather, and be able to graze on grasses, weeds and plants outside. One of the rescued sulcatas that I have here waiting for a new forever home, is 4 years old and weighs 12lbs. It would be very costly for me to have to buy manufactured tortoise food like Zoo Med or T-Rex to feed this tortoise.

If your tortoise eats greens, then, in my opinion, you should quit the MFG'd diet and go strictly with the greens. You can use the MFG'd diet as a supplement, but the greens should be the main diet.