Hay!

[KarenSoCal]

Is this normal for this time of year? He eats some greenery, but really wants the dry hay. It's Timothy hay, by the way. Is this ok?

 

[wellington]

Yes, most of us would love our torts to eat more hay. I would mix other good things with the hay. A varied diet is always better then one item.

 

[KarenSoCal]

Yes, most of us would love our torts to eat more hay. I would mix other good things with the hay. A varied diet is always better then one item.

That's great news! Thank you! He does eat some greens, but I'll mix some with the hay too.

 

[Tom]

Many won't eat dry hay without a lengthy introduction to it, so you are one lucky ducky.

I leave a chunk of grass hay out for my grass eaters at all times. I then feed them other stuff when I get around to it. If I'm busy working all day from sun-up until after sundown, they can graze on their hay all day. If I have time, I feed them everything under the sun. Sometimes mine will walk away from a pile of greens and go eat the dry hay too.

Generally, I find the Timothy hay to be too coarse and stemmy. But if your tortoise prefers it for some reason, go ahead and use it. If it ain't broke, don't fix it, right? I prefer orchard grass hay or bermuda hay and use both of those. Try those two if you want, but don't feel like you can't use the Timothy since your guy obviously likes it and likes how you've prepared and offered it.

WIth this insanely hot weather we've been having, and if your tortoise is regularly munching on dry hay, I suggest a good long soak in warm water at least two or three times a week. Soaking 7 days a week won't hurt a thing, but probably isn't necessary.

For DTs that make it past the baby stage without dying from dehydration due to bad advice on how to start them, the number one killer of DTs in my experience is bladder stones. These are easily prevented by soaking regularly.

 

[KarenSoCal]

Many won't eat dry hay without a lengthy introduction to it, so you are one lucky ducky.

I leave a chunk of grass hay out for my grass eaters at all times. I then feed them other stuff when I get around to it. If I'm busy working all day from sun-up until after sundown, they can graze on their hay all day. If I have time, I feed them everything under the sun. Sometimes mine will walk away from a pile of greens and go eat the dry hay too.

Generally, I find the Timothy hay to be too coarse and stemmy. But if your tortoise prefers it for some reason, go ahead and use it. If it ain't broke, don't fix it, right? I prefer orchard grass hay or bermuda hay and use both of those. Try those two if you want, but don't feel like you can't use the Timothy since your guy obviously likes it and likes how you've prepared and offered it.

WIth this insanely hot weather we've been having, and if your tortoise is regularly munching on dry hay, I suggest a good long soak in warm water at least two or three times a week. Soaking 7 days a week won't hurt a thing, but probably isn't necessary.

For DTs that make it past the baby stage without dying from dehydration due to bad advice on how to start them, the number one killer of DTs in my experience is bladder stones. These are easily prevented by soaking regularly.

Thank you, Tom!
I have been soaking him every other day for 15 minutes...I think I'll insist on him staying in a bit longer.
I'm not a morning person, but my husband saw him in and drinking from his water this morning, which I was glad to hear.
I use a scissors to cut the hay into smaller pieces.
Thanks for your advice ! This newbie appreciates it!

 

[MrMarg&me]

So fun to learn about Chug in his new home. Very cute pic of him munching his hay. Glad to know he is adjusting well. Goodness it has been hot here in Temecula. The inland valley did get rain. My box turtles appreciated it.

 

[KarenSoCal]

So fun to learn about Chug in his new home. Very cute pic of him munching his hay. Glad to know he is adjusting well. Goodness it has been hot here in Temecula. The inland valley did get rain. My box turtles appreciated it.

113 here again today! I'm wondering if it will ever end! And it almost never rains here..