New Owner

[GemmyLou]

Hi i only bought my 2 horsefield tortoises today and been told to feed them dark mixed greens and purple leaves.. but would really appreciate it if someone could give me a few more bits they would enjoy and keep them happy

 

[Fernando]

"When kept outdoors they can be allowed to graze freely and fed daily small amounts of supplemental food."

Romaine lettuce
Red and green leaf lettuce
Endive
Escarole
Radicchio
Chicory
Turnip greens
Mustard greens
Kale
Collards
Spring Mix (mixed salad greens)
cabbage (on occasion)

Source: RussianTortoise.org

 

[Laura]

where you live, do you have weeds growing? what type? Dandilions, mallow, clover, mustard, roses, some vegi leaves, grape leaves, mulberry tree leaves.....

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Mine also enjoy an occasional slice of squash, and other veggies... VERY rarely a slice of fruit... grape or strawberry.. etc...
Rhine of watermelon

 

[dmmj]

Here is what I fed my 3 russians (short list)
Hibiscus leaves and flowers, grape leaves, radish tops, artichoke leaves, dandelions leaves and flowers, various squash leaves and flowers.

 

[cemmons12]

Just wonderin: is feeding Russians the red tort sticks or mazuri a good idea along with letting them graze and feeding them greens and stuff? I'm thinking about getting one as soon as I can talk the wife into get'n one.

 

[GemmyLou]

Thanks for all your advice i live in the uk we do have some weeds but theres a lot of cats round this area.. someone said i could grow my own weeds?

 

[DixieParadise]

You can always just pick the weeds and bring them to your torts.

 

[GemmyLou]

Yea theres always that lol.. just dont know if anythings been sprayed on em or dogs/cats been and gone toilet one em.. dont want to harm my little tortoises

 

[Terry Allan Hall]

Just wonderin: is feeding Russians the red tort sticks or mazuri a good idea along with letting them graze and feeding them greens and stuff? I'm thinking about getting one as soon as I can talk the wife into get'n one.

My torts (Hermann's, but their diet is pretty much that of Russians) get fed soaked Red Sticks, mixed 50/50 w/ dried weeds, 2-3 X a week...other days, they get cactus pads or spring mix.

And grazing is always available.

 

[cemmons12]

Just wonderin: is feeding Russians the red tort sticks or mazuri a good idea along with letting them graze and feeding them greens and stuff? I'm thinking about getting one as soon as I can talk the wife into get'n one.

My torts (Hermann's, but their diet is pretty much that of Russians) get fed soaked Red Sticks, mixed 50/50 w/ dried weeds, 2-3 X a week...other days, they get cactus pads or spring mix.

And grazing is always available.

Thanks for the info! I just can't wait to get my next tort! Someone tell my wife I need another to help keep my health up! Lol! I have Lupus and 2 bone tumors (that are so far non-cancerous) and my little Cooper really does lift my mood by 100%!

 

[laramie]

Hi i only bought my 2 horsefield tortoises today and been told to feed them dark mixed greens and purple leaves.. but would really appreciate it if someone could give me a few more bits they would enjoy and keep them happy

Hi GemmyLou ,
Welcome to the forum and congrats on your new torts I like to give Wilbur (my hatchling) a variety of green leafy veggies and also I just ordered some Mazuri food that should come this week. I do put Wilbur outside in the backyard and let him graze for a bit and soak up some sun. I just make sure to keep a good eye on him so he does not flip over or any birds swoop down and get him. Happy to have you join the group, this is a wonderful place for all your questions.

C-Ya