Hay?

[nchan94]

At what age of the tortoise would you switch from feeding Veges to just hay?

Thanks

 

[wellington]

What kind of tort and why are you feeding just veggies?

 

[nchan94]

What kind of tort and why are you feeding just veggies?

Its a leopard tort and I'm feeding it kale and spring mix. I mix in some tortoise pellets and vitamins (Arkvits) as well.

 

[Laura]

they never eat 'just hay'. some never do..
they like to graze on grass and weeds outside..

 

[seanwilson1]

My leopard doesnt even like hay

 

[Tom]

Most leopards aren't going to eat hay. Hay is more for adult grass eaters like sulcatas. It IS possible to get leopards to eat it, but they much prefer weeds and succulents. Finely blended hay can be mixed with grocery store greens to add fiber, but why not just feed high fiber foods in the first place? Your tortoise needs a lot more variety. Here are some suggestions:

Mulberry leaves
Grape vine leaves
Hibiscus leaves
African hibiscus leaves
Blue hibiscus leaves
Rose of Sharon leaves
Rose leaves
Geraniums
Gazanias
Lavatera
Pansies
Petunias
Hostas
Honeysuckle
Cape honeysuckle
Leaves and blooms from any squash plant, like pumpkin, cucumber, summer squash, etc...
Young spineless opuntia cactus pads

Weeds:
There are soooooooo many... Here are just a few possibilities:
Dandelion
Mallow
Filaree
Smooth Sow thistle
Prickly Sow thistle
Milk thistle
Goat head weed
Cats ear
Nettles
Trefoil
Wild onion
Wild mustard
Wild Garlic
Clovers
Broadleaf plantain
Narrow leaf plantain
Chick weed
Hawksbit
Hensbit
Hawksbeard

Other good stuff:
"Testudo Seed Mix" from http://www.tortoisesupply.com/SeedMixes
Pasture mixes or other seeds from http://www.groworganic.com/seeds.html
Homegrown alfalfa
Mazuri Tortoise Chow
ZooMed Grassland Tortoise Food