Can my sulcata eat snails?

[THEELEG]

Hey everyone,
My wife and I have set up an outdoor grazing area for our sulcata hatchling and there are tons of snails in and around the area. We have come across articles stating that tortoises enjoy and even seek out snails as snacks. We were just curious if the snails are an ok addition to his diet? We haven't seen him eat any, but just wanted to double check before he does.
Thanks!

 

[lismar79]

They don't need to eat live food but I'm sure a few wouldn't hurt If he encountered them on his own. I just wouldn't encourage it. Stick to weeds and grass

 

[THEELEG]

Thank you, my wife thinks she read something about it but we will double check

 

[Yvonne G]

Some species of tortoises require animal protein in their diets, but sulcatas are not one of them. Yes, a sulcata wandering the plains might come across a dead rabbit and take a bite or two, but it's not something we regularly feed our sulcata tortoises. I doubt it will do him any harm to eat the occasional snail. The shell might be calcium-rich.

 

[Heardofturtles]

Not relevant, but you should see a BMT go after snails. Yikes