eating new things?

[Mccrackin]

So when i try to mix up my tortoises diet so it can have a variety sometimes it doesnt try new things just ignores the food. how can i get my tortoise to try new foods so it has its diet it needs?

 

[theelectraco]

What foods are you trying? I have ti mix foods I know my boy likes in with new foods, and only a little of the new food, sort of like when you transition dogs/cats onto new food. 75%old-25%new, 50/50, 75% new 25% old

 

[JoesMum]

Tortoises are notoriously picky eaters. The best way to get them to eat something new is to withdraw all the familiar stuff. When hungry, they will eat it! A healthy tortoise can go for days without eating and come to no harm, as long as they are drinking/soaked... you just have to be strong

 

[theelectraco]

I dont think making your tort goes days without eating just to introduce a new food to them is very fair, imo. I tried that once and my tort devoured a plate of his regular food after only a day of not eating.

 

[JoesMum]

It's very fair if your tort is stuck on one food or will only eat stuff that's not good for him, e.g. fruit for Greek and Russians!

Would you let your child eat only candy? Or would you say you don't get candy until you've eaten your dinner a properly? When the child realises that it's meat and two veg or nothing, they eat the meat and two veg!

 

[arotester]

tortoises eat what the keeper provides them ,they have no choice !!!

 

[Mccrackin]

Thank you guys all for the tips and ill try them and let you know how they go!

 

[Tom]

Try chopping up the old food and new food super fine. Then mix in just a little of the new food with the old. Gradually up the ratio of new to old over time.

 

[Mccrackin]

So I have tried these things and my tortoise is eating a verity! I feel so much better! And something I found out he won't try something unless I hold it. But after he would eat it without me but thanks so much!