Reptile & Amphibian Forums

Hi,

My redfoot is a full-grown adult. I am wondering what I can do to keep his shell 100% healthy in captivity?
I noticed his plastron has a spot (a couple millimeters or so) that seems too dry & almost "peeling". -- I'm talking so minute! But I don't want it to get any worse! I really care about him.

What sort of indoor environment set up is the most healthy?
And what is the primary food they should eat most of the time...please don't say Mazuri. I'm talking about natural things, be it insects, kale lettuce or strawberries.

Perhaps I can make a few modifications to his enclosure if need be.

Thanks.

They will take animal protein (I won't use the M word if you really have a problem with it but you could feed him that occaisionally) Collards greens, chicory, escarole, dandelion greens and flowers,Hibiscus flowers, holley hock flowers, swamp mallow flowers, grape leaves, green grasses, sweet potatoe, pumpkin, zucchini, butternut squash then a little less in amounts grapes, blueberries, strawberries, honeydew (treat) banana (small amounts infrequently as a treat). Protein folks use the M stuff and low fat canned catfood (yuck). I personally seen mine take out a few slugs when she is in her summer outdoor enclosure. YUCK!! And even earthworms (I get worried about these things though because of parasites which brings us back to The M stuff) So how about all the natural stuff I listed and then compromise and give the M stuff for protein?

Steve

Without proportions, any plant/natural diet list is basically worthless.
Many people ask me why I push the 'M' diet and the answer is easy.
That's it.
Here you have a diet that seems (notice I say 'seems') to provide all the basic requirements any tortoise needs based on obtained results and you don't have to kill yourself or the animal experimenting with different whatever you think it feeds on in the wild.
Now, those that are dead set against it (their loss)(or are closet users) base their decision on theory. I heard the argument or point of 'well, I've never used Arsenic and I pretty much know it is not good for you'. That is the argument of an extremist. That pretty much typifies the type.
So, my advice is to try it before you condemn it.
This is not a sales pitch. Believe it or not, I really can't put into words the point I'm trying to make but it comes down to simplicity. The simpler you make it the easier and more likely you will be able to succeed. In this case the animal is more likely to survive.
Don't think or say that 'if I don't feed my animal mazuri it is not going to thrive'. That is not the case but by feeding a diet that you don't have to worry or don't have to think as hard about nutritional balance you can focus elsewhere.
Ed

So please confirm for me...

All of the fruits, vegetables, and Mazuri food you all mention contribute to optimum shell health?

That is really what my primary concern is...keeping the shell properly coloured & healthy. (he is an adult so I guess I don't need to worry about pyramiding)

Where can I get Mazuri? Do pet shops carry it? I usually purchase my tortoise & turtle supplies from Petco and I have never seen that stuff sold there.

Thanks!

Check out the following website:

Mazuri home:
www.mazuri.com

Locate a local dealer:
http://www.mazuri.com/usamap.htm
I ordered mine through a local dealer, it may take more than 10 days, but a lot cheaper because there's no shipping charge.

Mazuri Tortoise diet home:
http://www.mazuri.com/5m21-5e06.htm

Joe

So let me get this straight...

Mazuri tortoise food is dried food? You just add a bit of water to it? If it is dry, you can just keep it in a pantry?

Thanks!

As long as it does not get wet it can last for months and longer than that if you freeze it.
Ed