2006-10-30 00:09:17 · 16 answers · asked by Anonymous in Pets ➔ Reptiles
Absolutely not! there is not enough nutrition in lettuce to keep him healthy. He needs protein to stay healthy, and you need to have your vet give him a check up. Is he pooping normally? And if he wants to hibernate alittle, his appetite might be naturally slowing down. Try checking out the pet store for nutritious and tasty treats especially formulated for turtles and tortoises. And ask your vet first. My turtles loved little balls of hamburg and fresh caught flies. Especially if they were still buzzing. Hey, there is alot of complete nutrition in insects. Good luck with your shelled friend. sue.
2006-10-30 00:19:36 · answer #1 · answered by bobandsue M 2 · 0⤊ 1⤋
1. Light green head lettuce (especially Iceberg) is not good for tortoises, or other turtles. Dark green, leafy stuff is much, much better.
2. Many of the answers here are NOT APPROPRIATE for tortoises- tortoises DO NOT need or do well on too much protein. Over 5% protein for most tortoises causes developmental problems.
3. Here is a good article on tortoise diet: http://www.petdoc.ws/TortDiet.html
4. As far as switching diets, just do it. Your tortoise can go without food for several days as long as it is otherwise healthy. Make sure it has fresh water, and just leave the good food in the tank until things start to turn- then only toss the 'turned' foods out.
5. Make sure you are using a good reptile multi-vitamin powder (with B13) and calcium supplement as well. Follow package directions.
Depending on the species, try these sites for more info:
http://www.tortoise.org
http://www.austinsturtlepage.com
2006-10-30 04:43:07 · answer #2 · answered by Madkins007 7 · 1⤊ 0⤋
No i have a tortoise and you can feed it more then just lettuce you can feed it any kind of veg if he doesn't eat it a first just mix it in with others and the lettuce eventually he or she will take a fancy and begin to eat it i normally just put loads of veg in a bowl and he will eat what he wants n then a throw away what he doesn't
2006-10-30 00:17:19 · answer #3 · answered by Thomas Griffin 1 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Animals in captivity will eat various things that are not good for them. Dogs and cats don't know chocolate can kill them and tortoises don't know lettuce will fill them up but not provide the nutrients they need. As owners it's our responsibility to give them the correct foods. As you were told there is very little nutrition in lettuce as it's mainly water. Try other leafy plants instead and give a little at a time. They enjoy dandelions but if picked from the road-side or farmers fields make sure you rinse them well first.
2016-05-22 07:11:26 · answer #4 · answered by Mary 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
no lettuce is 95% water it is bloody useless looking on the net or in books to see whats safe and what isnt safe for a tortoise.then offer him/her different foods then it should starting if it doesnt ring your vet or a reptile expert but dont leave it to long as most reptiles can suffer from a lack of calcium which can shorten their life span dramaticly.hope this is useful
2006-10-30 01:51:55 · answer #5 · answered by Jess Q 1 · 0⤊ 0⤋
No, iceberg lettuce has virtually no nutritional value. Try collard Greens, mustard greens, endive, escarole, dandelion greens, squash, pea pods, shredded carrot, apple, fig, papaya, cactus pad, green beans etc... Depending on the species it may be more omnivorous (Do your research first though!) in which case you can add boiled ground turkey, feeder insects, or low fat moist dog/cat food.
Since it is getting colder make sure your temps are correct. Cold reptiles often go off food. Also if you just got him he may still be adjusting to his new surroundings.
2006-10-30 03:55:57 · answer #6 · answered by snake_girl85 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
yea you can just feed it lettuce it's not gonna kill it but I would suggest mixing small pieces of other vegetables in with the lettuce to make an attempt to get it to eat other stuff! go here for more information!
http://www.petdoc.ws/TortDiet.html
2006-10-30 11:44:59 · answer #7 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
No No No after working in a reptile shop lettice is the worst thing to give tortoises try anything else as they are not stupid and will not starve them selves!
2006-10-30 03:05:49 · answer #8 · answered by helen f 1 · 0⤊ 0⤋
i have turtles and i know that they cant live on just veggies....when i bought them i was told that they could eat bascially anything that i eat....i mean i wouldnt give them chips and pepsi but you get the idea....my turtles need protein so i give them like lunch meats....but if you have a picky tortoise i would try giveing him special tourtise pellets along with his lettuce....the pellets that you can buy at pet stores have alot of the nutrients that they would get in the wild...you can also ask the pet store if you can feed him crickets.....they told me that small crickets are good for my turtles so they might be good for your tourtoise....the number one advice that i have for you is to call your local pet store to see whats up....im sure they know alot more than i do....
good luck i hope this helps you!
2006-10-30 00:43:45 · answer #9 · answered by sami s 1 · 0⤊ 1⤋
Well, it that's all it will eat, then yes that's okay. The only thing you need to do is give it a vitamin. Maybe on the lettuce or through a seringe.
2006-10-30 00:17:48 · answer #10 · answered by Jenna 4 · 0⤊ 1⤋