Feeding Hermann’s Tortoises

future-wildlife-veterinarian:

As my tortoise has just emerged from
hibernation, I think it is a good time to write about the correct nutrition for
tortoises. I’ve accumulated information from several websites and books, but
it’s important to do your own research and ask exotic animal veterinarians for advice
as well. This information applies specifically to the tortoise species that I own, the Hermann’s tortoise.

• Hermann’s tortoises are
  herbivorous (but may occasionally pick up a snail/slug if kept in the garden)
• The diet should be high in
  fibre calcium and low in protein, fat, carbohydrate, sugar, and phosphorous
• The basis of the diet should
  be non-toxic green leafy plants and flowers  that are pesticide-free
• Green leafy plants are high in calcium, fiber and minerals
• Chop up enough plants to make a mixed salad that they can eat in
  half an hour and give to the tortoise to eat five to six times a week
• Options
• Dandelion
• Nettle
• Bindweed
• Daisy
• Prickly
  pear cactus
• Ice plant
• Plantains (the
  weed, not fruit)
• Mulberry leaves
• California
  poppy
• Bermuda grass
• Purslane
• Petunia
• White clover
• Hibiscus
• Honeysuckle
• Curly kale
• Brussel
  tops (not Brussel sprouts themselves)
• Celeriac
• Coriander,
  parsley, rosemary, oregano
• Rocket
• Shredded
  carrot, artichoke, fennel
• Leaves of
  strawberry, raspberry, blackcurrant and blackberry plants
• Salad greens:
  endive, escarole, watercress, lamb’s lettuce, romaine (occasionally)
• Provide a calcium and vitamin supplement
  daily to avoid metabolic bone disease and vitamin deficiencies (ideally with
  calcium carbonate, vitamin D3 and other trace elements, and without phosphorous
  and amino acids)
• Vitamin D
  is needed to absorb calcium from the digestive tract
• Calcium
  sources: calcium carbonate powders (to dust over the food daily), or a
  cuttlebone (can be left in the enclosure for tortoise to nibble on)
• Fresh water should be available at all
  times
• Food to avoid
• Peas, beans,
  cat or dog food – the liver and kidneys can’t handle high levels of protein,
  and beans contain phytic acid which blocks calcium absorption
• High
  levels of fruit (including tomato) – fruit causes intestinal problems including
  intestinal parasites and diarrhoea
• Onions
• Iceberg lettuce
• Buttercup
• To give in
  very tiny portions (or not at all): spinach, broccoli, Brussel sprouts,
  cabbage, cauliflower, collard greens, beet greens, turnip greens, mustard
  greens (vegetables of the Brassica family)
  – contain substances that block calcium absorption

Websites I used if you
want more information on other aspects of husbandry and more detailed diet
information:

• How to care for a Hermann
  tortoise
• Tortoise diet
• Taking care of pet
  tortoises