Reptile & Amphibian Forums

Hi I was wondering if anybody approx knows the length a desert tort should be at 1year 10 month old just want to be sure I givng him what he needs. He only eats lettuce,roses, grass,and some time spinich he is a picky eater and want to be hand feed any information would be appreciate. Thanks Dianne

I don't know much about desert torts but just want to comment on the lettuce and spinach, lettuce contains very little to no nutritional value and if I am not mistaken spinach binds calcium in other reptiles such as bearded dragons and should not be used as part of their staple diet. I would assume spinach has the same effect on torts.

Hi Sorry I was not clear I give him Romaine Lettuce not Iceberg he does not eat spinch alot he loves Romaine and Roses I am just concerned about his size just want to make sure he is growing properly Thanks Dianne

Should be around 3 - 3 1/2 long. Also, make opuntia cactus pads 25-35% of its diet. Its the best thing to feed them adn they love it.

Hi thanks for the information I am going to measure him right now when can i purchase that cactus you mentions I live in Southern California Thanks Dianne

just look around your neighbourhood and you can beg, borrow but do not STEAL! (LOL)
I assume that you adopt that tort from your local chapter, they're the people you should contact for all questions and there are many members who would more than willing to have you clean out their CACTUSPATH to make way for PUMPKINPATH (don't forget their annual plants sale also a bonus for your tort.)

you can get a lot of good tips from the desert turtle mailing list. The address is http://groups.yahoo.com/group/Gopherus/