What fresh foods should I feed my Sulcata tortoise for a healthy diet?

Hi, this is a great question! I’m glad to hear you’re feeding Geoffrey Timothy hay and cuttle bone. That’s a great start. You can also offer dandelion greens, mustard greens, collards, romaine, herbs, carrot tops, beet greens, etc. For more care information, you can visit www.anapsid.org and check under “chelonian.” I hope that helps!

Yes, it is the same type of hay. I recommend Oxbow brand. You can use orchard grass, timothy, oat or a combination of them. Just do not use alfalfa hay. ( https://www.petco.com/shop/en/petcostore/product/oxbow-orchard-grass-hay )

Thanks for reaching out about Malusz. The proper diet will depend on the type of tortoise. Desert, Russian, box, all have different nutritional requirements. If you can follow up with the type of tortoise, exacting diet recommendations can be given. Good luck.

I suggest you refer to these links for information on proper feeding and husbandry. ( http://www.reptilesmagazine.com/Care-Sheets/Russian-Tortoise/ ) ( https://russiantortoise.net/russiantortoisediet.htm )

A star tortoise will readily drink standing water. Provide a shallow bowl of fresh water. Clean and refill the bowl daily. Confirm proper temps in the enclosure. Star tortoises do best in temps between 80 F and 90 F with a basking area of 95 F. Temperature plays an important role in appetite and activity. If he doesn't drink, you can soak him once or twice weekly in warm water or a 50/50 solution of water and unflavored PediaLyte. Soaks can last between 15-30 minutes. Star tortoises require a high fiber diet that is rich in calcium. Feed a varied diet including grasses, vegetables and greens for optimal growth. Grasses that can be fed include, fescue, blue grass, mature alfalfa or Bermuda grass. Vegetables offered can be pumpkin, squash, peas, mushroom or bell peppers. Greens include collard/turnip/mustard greens, dandelions, escarole and grape leaves. The above foods make up a partial list of acceptable items. It is by no means all inclusive. If your tortoise does not begin drinking on his own, consider an exam with an experienced herp veterinarian.

Purslane can be a part of a tortoise's diet but must be given in concert with other types of food. It is high in oxalates, which in too high of a quantity can cause an inhibition of other nutrients.

This could be due to a vitamin A deficiency. Be sure to feed a balanced diet and supplement with a powdered multi vitamin dusted onto food. If this doesn't help, see your veterinarian or a vet experienced in treating reptiles to diagnose illness or injury. Try to get the humidity down to between 40% and 60%. Maintain the humid hides at the levels described.