Reptile & Amphibian Forums

I have changed from Baby Romaine to Collards. I have a couple of 6 month old Leopards that the shells are starting to get soft but they are still active and eating. I also give mazuri once a week...any other suggestions?
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Michael Enriquez

>>I have changed from Baby Romaine to Collards. I have a couple of 6 month old Leopards that the shells are starting to get soft but they are still active and eating. I also give mazuri once a week...any other suggestions?
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>>Michael Enriquez

Although collard greens are supposed to be high in calcium, it really depends on the quality of the soil they were grown in.

So, I would do a few things:

1) More variety in the diet to help compensate for shortcomings in any one item. Use collards, endive, romaine, etc. From a chemical-free yard use clover, dandelions, grass, plantain, etc.

2) Add calcium supplements to the food. My leopards stay indoors most of the time, so I use RepCal calcium w/D3 powder on the food. If your tortoises are outdoors most or all of the time, then you could use plain calcium. I also leave pieces of cuttlebone in the enclosure for them.

3) Try to expose them to some unfiltered sunlight a few hours a week (if you aren't doing so already). Put them in a portable screened enclosure, or some other safe place outdoors where they can get sun, and shade, and protection from predators.