What do you feed a russian tortoise? I keep getting different answers.?

Answer 1

they eat a diverse mix of fresh greens and veggies...such as : collard greens, spinach, romaine lettuce, cabbage, broccolli , carrots ,dandalions( little yellow flowers) ect. chop them to fit the size of the tortoise --NO iceburg lettuce(no nutritinal value) and they have a tortoise diet but some will not eat it....they also like and crickets and meal worms

Answer 2

Hi, I got 2 links from the California Tortoise and Turtle club for you. The info is from the Russian Tortoise Org
also about.com - type in Russian Tortoise for a link to good info.

http://encyclopedia.thefreedictionary.com/russian+tortoise

http://www.russiantortoise.org/

Russian Tortoises are "programmed" to eat allot in a short period of time

In captivity they are active most the year and can easily over eat. Also if kept in an indoor pen they get less exercise than in the wild. These 2 factors can lead to rapid growth and a shortened life span. For this reason their diet should be restricted.

Romaine lettuce
Red and green leaf lettuce
Endive
Escarole
Radicchio
Turnip greens
Mustard greens
Kale
Collards
cabbage (on occasion)
Spring Mix (mixed salad greens

avoid
All fruit (although fruit is often recommended, its sugar content can lead
to parasite blooms....just not worth it) the exception is apples due to the high quantity of pectin....but still not frequently.
Iceberg lettuce
Bok Choy
All grains (including bread, pasta etc)
Dog and cat food
Meat
All human food except what's been listed as "good"
Pellet food in pet stores

There is more at the sight. Poisonous foods and plants etc. Read up! I have 2 box turtles and they are fantastic pets but difficult to find help when they are sick unless you educate yourself beforehand Good luck
Make sure you have a vet in the area that will see your tortoise. Few vets know how to care for them properly. Look up Tortoise and turtle rescue and clubs or orgs. near you for info and vet referrals.

If you are in California you can try their Tortoise club or call UC Davis for referrals.( vet school)

Answer 3

Romaine lettuce, Kale greens, shredded carrots. Give the turtle a majority of these things. And if you want, italian squash, and cucumber cut up in slices can be put on top of the pile, but make sure these are kept at a minimum compared to the greens and carrots. Everything mentioned here provides the broadest range of nutrients possible and can be fed every day or two.

Answer 4

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Answer 5

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Answer 6

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Answer 7

Fresh, fibrous vegetables. Keep fruits to a minimum as the sugars tend to create digestive problems. Avoid meat based food items as long term health problems may occur.

Answer 8

ok I have a russian tortoise & i feed it fruits and veggies so thats what I do and I have had it for 11 years
GOOD LUCK :)

Answer 9

borscht and vodka. But seriously, broadleaf greens. Provide a variety for better nutrition.

Answer 10

They need a varied diet. Plants should be free of residues from herbicides, insecticides, fungicides and fertilizers. Some things you can feed are:

cabbage, kale, watercress, cauliflower greens, dandelion greens, plantain (weed not the banana thing), petunia, hibiscus, pansy, carrots (greens and roots), hosta, sweet potato plant, pelargonium, romaine lettuce, mallow, tomato and grapes in moderation, grape leaves, nasturtium, aloe, honeysuckle, grass clippings, fescue, mulberry leaves, russian romaine, bermuda grass, squash, clover, rose petals and leaves, Grassland tortoise Yummies.

Edible Plants for Tortoises and Turtles

There are many common ornamental and garden plants that turtles and tortoise relish. The scientific names for plants are provided in parentheses. These names are used world-wide. Common/regional names are also used however these names may vary. One should always use the scientific name when selecting plants to insure that the correct plant is selected. Plants should be free of residues from herbicides, insecticides, fungicides and fertilizers. The plants listed below are considered safe and non-toxic for our shelled pets.

Tropical Hibiscus (Hibiscus rosa-sinensis) flowers and leaves
Blue Hibiscus (Alyogyne huegelii) flowers
Chinese Lantern (Abutilon hybridum) flowers
Rose (Rosa spps) blossoms
Geraniums (Pelargonium spps) flowers
Mulberry tree (Morus alba) leaves
Dandelion (Taraxacum officinale) leaves and flowers
Nasturtiums (Tropaeolum majus) flowers
Pansies (Viola) flowers

Poisonous Plants for Tortoises and Turtles

This list should not be considered complete. Plants that are listed below should not be fed to pets and should be avoided in enclosures in which pets are kept or have access. Questions about specific plants should be directed to your veterinarian or poison control at www.aspca.org

Arrowhead Vine (Syngonium podophyllum) 1
Azelea (Rhododendron occidentale) 2
Begonia 1
Bird of Paradise (Strelitzia reginae) 2
Boston Ivy ( Parthenocissus tricuspidata) 1
Boxwood ( Buxus sempervirens) 2, 3
Buttercup family (Ranunculus spps) 2, 3
Caladium 1,3
Calia Lilly (Zantedeschia spps) 1
Candytuft (Iberis) 3
Castor bean (Ricinus communis) 2
Chinese evergreen (Aglaonema modestum) 1
Chinaberry (Melia azedarach) 2
Creeping Charlie (Glechoma hederacea) 2
Crowfoot (Ranunculus sceleratus) 2, 3
Cyclamen 2
Daffodil (Narcissus) 2
Dianthus 2
Dumb Cane (Dieffenbachia amoena) 1
Elephants ear (Caladium) 1, 3
Euphorbia 2, 4
Ficus benjamina 3
Fiddleleaf fig (Ficus lyrata) 3
Foxglove (Digitalis purpurea) 2
Gardenia 4
Grape ivy (Cissus rhombifolia) 4
Heart Ivy (Hedera helix) 2, 3
Heavenly bamboo (Nandina domestica) 2
Holly (Ilex) 2
Hyacinth (Hyacinthus orientalis) 2, 3
Ivy (Hedera helix) 2, 3
Jerusalem cherry (Solanum pseudocapsicum) 2
Juniper (Juniperus species) 2, 3
Lantana (Lantana camara) 2, 3
Lilly of the Nile (Agapanthus africanus) 2, 3
Lilly of the Valley (Convallaria spps) 2
Lobelia 2
Majesty (Philodendron hastatum) 2
Marigold (Tagetes spps) 3
Mistletoe (Phorodendron flavenscens) 2
Morning Glory (Ipomoea spps) 2
Mother-in-law plant (Caladium) 1, 3
Mother-in-law tounge (Sansevieria trifasciata) 4
Mushrooms 2
Needlepoint Ivy (Hedera helix) 2, 3
Nephthytis (Syngonium podophyllium) 1
Nightshade (Solanum nigrum) 2
Oleander (Nerium oleander) 2
Parlor Ivy (Philodendron cordatum) 2, 3
Periwinkle (Vinca spps) 2
Philodendron 1, 3
Poinsettia (Euphorbia pulcherrima) 4
Pothos (Epipremnum aureum) 1, 3
Pyracanthra 2
Rhododendron (Ericaceace)
Rosary Bean (Abrus precatarius) 2
Rubber tree (Ficus elastica decora) 3
Schefflera 1, 3
Shasta Daisy (Chrysanthemum maximum) 2, 3
Spider mum (Chrysanthemum morifolium) 2, 3, 4
Split leaf Philodendron (Monstera delicosa) 1
String of Pearls (Senecio rowleyanus or S. herreinus) 2
Sweet pea (Lathyrus odoratus) 4
Umbrella tree (Schefflera actinophylla) 1, 3


Explanation of toxicity:

1.Oxalates: these plants contain oxalate salts. Contact with the sap can cause burning, swelling and pain. Treatment includes rinsing mouth and washing skin with mild soap and water. Monitor for difficulty swallowing and/or breathing and drooling. Monitor for irritation, swelling or blistering of mouth and oral tissues.
2.Toxic or Potentially Toxic: These plants can be toxic to varying degrees and should be considered with caution. Toxic effects can range from mild irritation to severe organ damage. Call poison control or your veterinarian if you think your pet ingested these plants.
3.Dermatitis: contact with sap can cause skin rash, itching or irritation. Rinse with water and if irritation persists, contact your veterinarian.
4.Unknown: Suspected toxicity but information incomplete. If contact or ingestion occurs contact poison control and your veterinarian.