Assuming you are referring to a captive pet tortoise most veterinarians and tortoise experts recommend offering food every day or every other day. Some tortoises do very well on a once-a-week feeding schedule but others seem to do best when offered food more frequently. If you are unsure what is best for your tortoise it is always best to err on the side of providing more frequent meals.
Tortoises are grazers and in the wild they would spend the majority of their day grazing on low-growing plants and herbs. In captivity we can provide our tortoises with a diet that mimics their natural diet as closely as possible. A variety of fresh dark leafy greens should be offered daily along with some chopped vegetables and fruits.
If you are feeding a commercial tortoise diet it is still important to offer fresh foods as well. The fresh foods will provide your tortoise with essential vitamins minerals and fiber that are not found in processed foods. A good rule of thumb is to offer about 2/3 of the diet as fresh foods and 1/3 as commercial tortoise diet or pellets.
Vegetables that are appropriate for tortoises include collard greens dandelion greens mustard greens turnip greens kale endive escarole romaine lettuce cactus pads grated carrots and chopped squash. Fruits that can be offered include chopped berries melon and papaya.
It is important to remember that tortoises are easily susceptible to dehydration so fresh foods should be offered with a water source nearby. A shallow dish of water should be available at all times and the water should be changed daily. A water mister can also be used to keep the fresh foods from drying out.
If you are unsure about what kinds of foods to offer your tortoise or how often to feed them it is always best to consult with a veterinarian or reptile specialist.
How often do you need to feed a tortoise?
You need to feed a tortoise every day.
How much food does a tortoise need?
A tortoise needs about 1/2 a cup of food per day.
What kind of food does a tortoise eat?
A tortoise eats a variety of vegetables and fruits.
Does a tortoise need water?
Yes a tortoise needs water.
How often does a tortoise need water?
A tortoise needs water every day.
How much water does a tortoise need?
A tortoise needs about 1/2 a cup of water per day.
What kind of environment does a tortoise need?
A tortoise needs a warm and dry environment.
Does a tortoise need a lot of space?
No a tortoise does not need a lot of space.
How often does a tortoise need to be handled?
A tortoise does not need to be handled often.
Does a tortoise need to be bathed?
A tortoise does not need to be bathed.
How long does a tortoise live?
A tortoise can live for up to 100 years.
What does a tortoise do during the winter?
A tortoise hibernates during the winter.
What happens if a tortoise does not hibernate?
If a tortoise does not hibernate it can become sick or die.
How do you know if a tortoise is sick?
If a tortoise is sick it may stop eating become lethargic or have discharge from its eyes or nose.
What should you do if you think your tortoise is sick?
If you think your tortoise is sick you should take it to a veterinarian.
