Great that you got a vet appointment so quickly!

While it is true that the spring mix greens don't have a good calciumhosphorus ratio, and beet and mustard greens have higher calcium content, they are also rich in anti-nutrients and thus shouldn't make up a big part of a redfoot's diet either. They contain high levels of oxalic acid, which binds calcium and thus makes it unavailable. Beet greens also contain high levels of phytic acid, which binds minerals as well, and turnip greens contain goitrogens, which when fed in excess can cause thyroid enlargement.

This of course is only to say that putting your redfoot on a beet - mustard - turnip only diet might have its drawbacks too.

You might want to add dandelion, escarole and chicory, which have both, a good calciumhosphorus ratio and a low content of anti-nutrients.

Variety is probably best.



Did your vet give you any explanation as to why he suspects calcium deficiency in your tortoise?

Hope he'll be better soon,



Gaby

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