Fussy eater

[Amossharon]

Hi I have had my Russian tortoise for a while now and whilst she seems to be doing very well after some useful advice from you guys she is a very fussy eater she will only eat spring greens or any type of cabbage and that's it I have tried dandelions I have even grown some weeds myself she will just not eat it..I very occasionally give her the tortoise food from pet shops which she will also eat..how can I add a variety of different foods to her diet.without feeling guilty that she hasn't eaten.thanks in advance

 

[JoesMum]

Tortoises are very good at training their owners.

You have be like the parent of a child that only wants to eat chips and chocolate... put your foot down! You're in charge!

Cut up the food your tort will eat into tiny bits and wet it

Cut up a tiny amount of healthy food into tiny bits and mix it with rest

If your tort eats the mixture, then at the next feed increase the amount of good food slightly and decrease the bad slightly.

If your tort refuses, then leave it there until next day. Then replace with a mixture in exactly the same proportions.

A hungry tort will eat and can go many days without food and not come to any harm as long as you soak your tort (at least 30 minutes) to keep it hydrated.

It takes time, but you will succeed. You must not give in and let your tort eat what it wants. Be strong and we're here to support you There are few of us that haven't had to do this at least once.

 

[Tom]

Does he like cucumber? Another technique Yvonne has suggested is to blend up a small amount of cucumber and smear it all over the food.

Also remember that their appetites slow way down In the fall and winter. You might have more luck in spring when he is ravenous and you can use hunger to your advantage.

 

[Amossharon]

Thank you will give this a try tmrw I have tried putting healthy food mixed in but not cut up small so she just picks out what she likes.. she is doing great though and I just love having her..I bath her daily for about 15 mins will also increase this..Thanks again..

 

[Gillian M]

I confirm what @JoesMum said: it may take you a lot of time till you get your tort to eat what you want him/her to eat. And torts can be extremely stubborn. Oli (my beloved Greek tort) gave me a very hard time till he began to eat mazuri.

 

[domagoj]

Thank you will give this a try tmrw I have tried putting healthy food mixed in but not cut up small so she just picks out what she likes.. she is doing great though and I just love having her..I bath her daily for about 15 mins will also increase this..Thanks again..

Marley(my hermann) is also like that. He will only eat dandelion leaves, hibiscus flowers and aloe vera. I tried mixing it up with other weeds and flowers but he keeps picking out his favorites. Well I'll keep trying.

 

[JoesMum]

Marley(my hermann) is also like that. He will only eat dandelion leaves, hibiscus flowers and aloe vera. I tried mixing it up with other weeds and flowers but he keeps picking out his favorites. Well I'll keep trying.

Cut it up really small. Make sure it's wet so it sticks together and

DO NOT GIVE IN!

It's for their own good!

 

[domagoj]

Cut it up really small. Make sure it's wet so it sticks together and

DO NOT GIVE IN!

It's for their own good!

Will do

 

[Amossharon]

Cut it up really small. Make sure it's wet so it sticks together and

DO NOT GIVE IN!

It's for their own good!

I will thanks JoesMum