My Redfoot Darwin

Minority2

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I spent a nice half hour writing with Darwin this afternoon while he soaked and ate his lunch ...

View attachment 253694

I was surprised by how much he loves kale ... I don't.

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He also went to town on blueberries and strawberries and banana ....

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But perhaps his favorite is avocado.

He seems comfortable and thriving in his home, as I get better at maintaining the temperature and humidity he needs.

Jamie

All parts of avocados are considered toxic to reptiles:
https://www.thetortoisetable.org.uk/plant-database/viewplants/?plant=703&c=8

Some people have fed avocado fruit to their tortoises in small amounts with no adverse effects. As a precaution I suggest not feeding avocado at all. It's not a cheap fruit nor is it really beneficially to continue feeding it to your tortoise. Save them for yourself.
 

jsheffield

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I've done a fair amount of reading about avocados as a part of a tortoise's diet, and opinions are mixed beyond leaves, skin, and pit ... since I'm just feeding him the fruit, I'm not too worried.

That being said, there are plenty of other great foods for him to eat, so it'll probably just find its way into his bowl occasionally.

Thanks for your replies and comments, and concern.

Jamie
 

Toddrickfl1

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I feed my Redfoot avocado from time to time with no ill effects.
 

jsheffield

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Lots of people do ... there's a lot of anecdotal stuff passed back and forth as fact here, as there is everywhere on the internet.

Jamie
 
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Toddrickfl1

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Its the opposite at my house tonight for dinner my Redfoot had a gourmet salad with chopped kale, dandelion, mushroom, papaya squash, Mazuri, and mango. I had Ramen noodles :rolleyes:
 

spoilers

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My redfoot doesn't eat avocado either (just to stay on the safe side) he did get some shrimp today though for his monthly protien and chose to eat it over banana! I've had him for a month now and he has refused protien multiple times. (Ive tried mushroom, crickets, and boiled egg with no luck) usually bananas are treats for him so i was surprised to see he chose the shrimp first!
 

Toddrickfl1

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My redfoot doesn't eat avocado either (just to stay on the safe side) he did get some shrimp today though for his monthly protien and chose to eat it over banana! I've had him for a month now and he has refused protien multiple times. (Ive tried mushroom, crickets, and boiled egg with no luck) usually bananas are treats for him so i was surprised to see he chose the shrimp first!
Try an earthworm mine loves em.
 

jsheffield

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It didn't occur to me to weigh Darwin when he came to live with me two weeks ago, but as of today he weighs 73 grams.
 

jsheffield

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Half-assed growth chart ...

IMG_7068.jpg

With a fourth data point, it occurred to me to try and graph Darwin's growth ... he's putting on weight steadily, advancing towards my first goal of 100g in a straight line.

Now I'm wondering if he should be growing faster.

The chart refers to days living with me ... his age is roughly 110 days.

Jamie
 

jsheffield

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I finally got hold of some Mizuri Tortoise diet (the nuggets about the size of the end of my pinkie-finger), and wet some down for Darwin ... he went nuts for the stuff.

I think I'll probably mix a single nugget in with his regular daily feed and see how that works.

Jamie
 

jsheffield

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97g

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He had a nice brunch today of houseplant trimmings, mazuri, and some of the freeze-dried fruit and omnivore mixes.

Two huge poops during his soak and brunch.

Jamie
 

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