Cucumbers?

[ssbh]

I recently fed my Russian tortoises some cucumber slices. I am kinda new, and are cucumbers OK for them?

 

[Tom]

Cucumbers are not toxic, but they are not really the best food for them either. They lack nutrition and fiber. Its okay to feed a little bit once in a while, but better to fill their stomachs with good stuff.

 

[StarSapphire22]

I like 'em if my little guy looks like he could use some extra water. He's worse than a cat when it comes to water and soaking. But Tom is right that they have very little nutritional value, and shouldn't be fed often. Sometimes I also like to give the peelings from when I slice up cucumbers for myself...it has just a little of the insides still attached, and isn't so watery. Too much of watery foods like cucumbers can give diarrhea too, so that is something to be mindful of.

 

[ssbh]

I like 'em if my little guy looks like he could use some extra water. He's worse than a cat when it comes to water and soaking. But Tom is right that they have very little nutritional value, and shouldn't be fed often. Sometimes I also like to give the peelings from when I slice up cucumbers for myself...it has just a little of the insides still attached, and isn't so watery. Too much of watery foods like cucumbers can give diarrhea too, so that is something to be mindful of.

Thanks! They did need water. But I rarely feed them cucumbers. Mostly lettuce and carrots and such.

 

[ssbh]

Cucumbers are not toxic, but they are not really the best food for them either. They lack nutrition and fiber. Its okay to feed a little bit once in a while, but better to fill their stomachs with good stuff.

Thanks

 

[Tom]

Thanks! They did need water. But I rarely feed them cucumbers. Mostly lettuce and carrots and such.

Lettuce is also lacking fiber and not a great food. Carrots are too high in sugar. It seems you have gotten some bad info on diet. They need mostly broadleaf weeds. These are high in calcium, high in fiber, and typically lower in water content than store bought greens. Much better for your tortoise and FREE! Please read this: http://www.tortoiseforum.org/threads/russian-tortoise-care-sheet.80698/

and this:
http://www.tortoiseforum.org/threads/beginner-mistakes.45180/

And here are just a few diet suggestions:
Mulberry leaves
Grape vine leaves
Hibiscus leaves
African hibiscus leaves
Blue hibiscus leaves
Rose of Sharon leaves
Rose leaves
Geraniums
Gazanias
Lavatera
Pansies
Petunias
Hostas
Honeysuckle
Cape honeysuckle
Leaves and blooms from any squash plant, like pumpkin, cucumber, summer squash, etc...
Young spineless opuntia cactus pads

Weeds:
There are soooooooo many...
Dandelion
Mallow
Filaree
Smooth Sow thistle
Prickly Sow thistle
Milk thistle
Goat head weed
Cats ear
Nettles
Trefoil
Wild onion
Wild mustard
Wild Garlic
Clovers
Broadleaf plantain
Narrow leaf plantain
Chick weed
Hawksbit
Hensbit
Hawksbeard

Other good stuff:
"Testudo Seed Mix" from http://www.tortoisesupply.com/SeedMixes
Pasture mixes or other seeds from http://www.groworganic.com/seeds.html
Homegrown alfalfa
Mazuri Tortoise Chow
ZooMed Grassland Tortoise Food

 

[Yellow Turtle01]

Cucumbers are okay as a treat or if they need hydration (as @StarSapphire22 said ) Mine hates soaking too, so I occasionally give a slice to him for extra water.