What to feed my red footed tortoise

[stephanie600]

I am purchasing a red footed tortoise this week I have everything ready apart from what to feed what are the best foods? also do I have to treat water with anything or can I give straight from the tap?

[labmad]

I feed my 3 approx 70% weeds/flowers and 30% fruit, some feed a touch of protein in the diets, some people agree with and some dont, i give mine a touch of chicken etc

As for flowers/plants they get, viola, petunia, pansy, hosta etc to name a few, and weeds, i grow my own from seeds, but this can take time, so i pick fresh ones like dandelions, bittercress, sowthistle etc etc

Have a look at the weeds sticky which will give you a good grounding on them

[shootinglou79]

You can also offer mushrooms/boiled egg now and again.

[labmad]

Yep, as above, also a good un which mine love is Optunia Cactus......just burn the spikes off

[stephanie600]

Thanks what about water is it okay to use straight from tap ?

[labmad]

Originally Posted by stephanie600

Thanks what about water is it okay to use straight from tap ?

Just put some in an open top container, a bucket or something, and just leave to stand for 24-48hrs, which will allow the chlorine etc to evaporate and the water will be at room temp all being well, and not freezing cold .....also cheaper than using stuff like de-chlorinators

[robbiepurvis1309]

yep water is fine straight from the tap
i feed monday - friday every day (doesn't hurt if you miss a day) weeds i.e. dandelion, chickweed, clover, plantain etc
then saturday i feed fruit - papaya is the best, also mango, strawberry, plum, raspberry, blackberry etc
on sunday i feed purina weight management dried cat food rehydrated with water as this has the highest protein content.
i feed all this for as long as my tortoises stay eating and as soon as they leave i remove the left overs.
this diet has given me perfectly smooth growth so far and i have been using it since august last year.
oh i alsomost forgot i supplement every meal with a 50/50 mix of limestone flour and neutrobal.
hope this helps

[blackcat38]

I've been following the diet from here Redfoots.com - Redfoot Tortoise Care from hatchlings to adults but use chicken, prawn, egg, fish, butter worms, earth worms on meat days. Smooth growth and good weight gain so far