Assuming you would like an extensive blog post on what to feed a desert tortoise:
“What to Feed a Desert Tortoise”
One of the most common questions we get here at the Tortoise table is “What do I feed my desert tortoise?” The answer as with many things is “it depends.” In this blog post we’ll outline some of the general guidelines for feeding your desert tortoise as well as some of the specific foods that these herbivores enjoy.
First and foremost it’s important to remember that desert tortoises are herbivores. This means that their diet should consist mostly of plants. Some people choose to supplement their tortoise’s diet with commercially-prepared foods but we recommend sticking to a diet of primarily fresh natural and organic foods.
One of the most important things to remember when feeding your desert tortoise is to offer a variety of foods. These animals are grazers which means that they like to eat small amounts of many different plants. A good rule of thumb is to offer at least 10 different plant species per week. If you’re not sure what plants are safe for your tortoise to eat a quick internet search or trip to your local library should provide you with a list of safe plants.
Some of the most popular plants that desert tortoises enjoy eating include:
1. Dandelions
2. Clover
3. Mustard greens
4. Turnip greens
5. endive
6. escarole
7. cactus pads
8. hibiscus
9. alfalfa
10. kale
Of course this is just a small sampling of the many different plants that desert tortoises enjoy eating. Be sure to offer a variety of both leafy greens and flowering plants to ensure that your tortoise is getting all the nutrients it needs.
In addition to a variety of plants desert tortoises also need a source of water. These animals get most of the water they need from the plants they eat but they will also drink from puddles ponds and shallow pools of water. Be sure to provide your tortoise with a shallow dish of water that’s large enough for it to soak its head and neck in.
Desert tortoises are relatively easy to care for but providing them with a diet that consists of a variety of fresh natural and organic foods is essential to their health and wellbeing. By following these simple guidelines you can ensure that your desert tortoise lives a long and healthy life.
What is the best food to feed a desert tortoise?
A desert tortoise’s diet should consist of mostly native plants and vegetables.
What vegetables can desert tortoises eat?
Some vegetables that desert tortoises can eat are collard greens dandelion greens and mustard greens.
Can desert tortoises eat fruit?
Yes desert tortoises can eat fruit but only in small amounts.
Some fruits that desert tortoises can eat are strawberries raspberries and blueberries.
What kind of plants can desert tortoises eat?
Some plants that desert tortoises can eat are cactus mesquite pods and creosote bush.
Do desert tortoises need access to water?
Yes desert tortoises need access to water but they get most of the water they need from the food they eat.
How often should desert tortoises be fed?
Desert tortoises should be fed every day.
How much food should desert tortoises be given?
The amount of food that desert tortoises should be given depends on their size.
A good rule of thumb is to give them enough food so that their stomach is about half full.
What happens if desert tortoises eat the wrong kind of food?
If desert tortoises eat the wrong kind of food it can make them sick or even kill them.
What should you do if you think your desert tortoise is sick?
If you think your desert tortoise is sick you should take it to a vet who specializes in reptiles.
How can you tell if a desert tortoise is healthy?
A healthy desert tortoise should have clear eyes a firm shell and no mucus or discharge coming from its nose or mouth.
What kind of habitat do desert tortoises need?
Desert tortoises need a habitat that has plenty of space for them to move around hiding places and access to water.
How much space does a desert tortoise need?
A desert tortoise needs at least a 10-gallon tank.
What kind of substrate do desert tortoises need?
Desert tortoises need a substrate that is soft and absorbent such as sand or dirt.
What kind of lighting do desert tortoises need?
Desert tortoises need UVB lighting in order to process the calcium in their food.
What is the temperature range that desert tortoises need?
The temperature range that desert tortoises need is 70-85 degrees Fahrenheit.
