New horsefield tortoise owner, advice please!

[ipaw]

Hi, I recently bought two horsefield tortoises, my dad has said that they don't need feeding everyday but I was sure that they do, please could someone give me some advice on how much and how often I should feed them? They have just turned 2 years old.
Thanks

 

[Jabuticaba]

Welcome! I think they do need feeding everyday. I don't believe in overfeeding, but I believe in keeping them healthy thru a balanced diet. Feeding regular meals, at regular times, will also tell you how healthy they are; i.e., if they refuse food, you will know something is wrong and that gives you a chance to act accordingly. Please post pictures, when you can. We'd love to see their pictures.


May[CHERRY BLOSSOM], Hermann's [TURTLE][TURTLE] & Aussie [DOG FACE][DOG FACE][DOG FACE] (@YWG)

 

[ipaw]

Thank you that is very helpful! So far I have been feeding them regularly every day and they seem to be doing really well so I shall keep doing what I'm doing! Here is a picture of one still having difficulty thinking of names though, such a hard decision!
Thanks again

 

[Yvonne G]

Welcome!

 

[hunterk997]

Some people prefer feeding the amount the tortoise can eat in an hour, and feeding every other day. It's really your choice. And welcome!


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[ipaw]

Okay thank you for your help!

 

[biochemnerd808]

Welcome to the forum! Cute Russian tortoise you have there.

I feed the amount of green leafy plants that are about the size of each tortoise's shell (loosely placed, of course... not packed down). Since I have multiple tortoises, they never take an hour to eat, they chow down like crazy, and then the food is gone. But if there is always food left over, you might be offering too much. If he snarfs it down and then seems to be looking for more, it might not be enough. Feeding a tortoise is very much eye-balling it... and different experts will give you different answers. I feed mine every day, but usually have them fast 1 day per week.