Rupert, my Hermann's, is 3 years old & currently enjoying days out in our UK heatwave. Indoors - his vivarium - he has complete tortoise food, Reptivite mineral supplement once a week, tomato & greens (and an occasional catbiscuit as a treat).
Out in the garden, he makes a beeline for soil & droppings from hedgehogs & birds, and relished a large lump of cement last week. Is this usual tortoise behaviour, or should I be worried? Am I doing something wrong? Incidentally, I do catch him (mostly) before he eats the droppings in case of parasites..........
He's in good health & was checked by the vet when I had him chipped last month.
All thoughts welcome from those more experienced than I!
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Hermann's Tortoise - diet
helenk
Jul 27, 2006 04:39 AM
Replies (2)
aztortoise
Jul 27, 2006 11:07 PM
Sounds like you really make an effort. I've seen this with tortoises in the past not getting enough minerals or its very important to supplement with calcium carbonate, try to stay away from phosphates. the tortoise needs to be outside as much as possible. Natural sun light really balances a diet out. Cuddle bone is a great replacement for that cement chewing plus the bonus of calcium is added.
Link
helenk
Jul 31, 2006 05:15 AM
Thankyou so much for this! I bought him a cuttlefish bone and presented it to him after he'd eaten his evening meal - he eats when he comes back into his vivarium after a day in the garden (his decision not mine!). Once he figured out what to do, he kept us entertained for a good half hour chewing lumps out of it. 3 days on and he's nearly demolished half of it.
Many thanks again!
helenK.
