What does a land tortoise eat?

What does a land tortoise eat?

Most domestic tortoises are herbivorous reptiles. Their diet is therefore varied, balanced and based essentially on foods of plant origin. In addition to making them happy, a varied diet will keep your turtle's shell healthy. So grab your notebook quickly! In this article, we reveal what a tortoise eats.

What does a tortoise eat in the wild?

In the wild, a turtle's diet depends on where it lives. In wetlands, tortoises change their diet with the seasons. During the wet season, they eat succulents, herbs, grasses and shrubs. When it's dry, they seek out drier foods like rabbit droppings.

In doing so, it is crucial to provide him with a diet composed of approximately 80% plant-based foods. Thus, you can make him eat vegetables like kohlrabi, turnip greens and green cabbage. But you can also offer him colorful elements, such as peppers, green beans and dandelions. Add to that flowers, grass and hay and you have a healthy and balanced diet.

Whatever food you choose, do not feed your turtle on gravel or dirt! Otherwise, she would risk ingesting some of this substrate, which is not good for her. For hydration, be sure to give him access to a large water tank. Many turtles enjoy bathing and drinking water regularly. However, remember to change the water in the basin and wash it every day, because some turtles also relieve themselves there.

What foods to avoid?

Although, like us, tortoises are not picky eaters, there are certain foods to avoid. Pay attention, for example, to Swiss chard, beet greens and spinach. These vegetables contain oxalates and can be harmful to your land tortoise. Also, mustard greens and kale are discouraged, as they can cause hypothyroidism.

Other food ideas to feed your land tortoise

Offering a healthy diet is as important as varying your diet. After all, no one likes to eat the same thing every day. Is not it ?

To vary your turtle's diet, choose the foods below:

• Mulberry leaves;
• Aloe;
• Parsley ;
• Oregano;
• Artichoke;
• Strawberry leaves, etc.

Notice that we specify leaves here. Not that turtles don't like fruit! But it is essential to remember that green vegetables and herbs should make up the major part of their diet. You can always offer a fruit or two as an occasional treat.

Important: wash your hands well after feeding your tortoise!

As you will have understood, land turtles love flowers, herbs and vegetables of all kinds. They also love fruits, but these are too sweet for them and not as nutritious as vegetables. Therefore, make the fruit an occasional treat every two weeks or so.

Finally, note that all turtles carry salmonella, which can make humans very sick. Wash your hands with soap and water after touching a turtle, its dishes or its habitat.

Need more advice related to the animal environment? Take a look at our blog to continue your learning!