Our hatchlings weight

[Tom]

So everything I have read and been told about not giving them lettuce is wrong? I'm just asking because we want to do what is best for him and after reading everything I am terrified of losing him.

We got him from a reptile convention. All the breeder told us was that he was 3-4 months old and was a good eater. He was eating spring mix when we got him.

Some lettuce once in a while is fine. Did you read my food sheet? There is no lettuce on there. They need a high fiber, grassy, weedy diet. This can be achieved many ways. Lettuce with some Zoomed in it, or blended grass hay, or fresh wheat grass, will all get the job done. Of course weeds and grass are the best way, just not always doable for everyone in winter.

The breeder either lied, or this baby is not growing.

 

[Tom]

I really do not think dehydration is an issue. We have had him since dec 6 and he soaks and drinks everyday. His enclosure is misted multiple times per day as well. His bowel movements and urination appear frequent.

It has nothing to do with what YOU are doing. I has everything to do with what the breeder did in the first few days and weeks. Most breeders have them on dry substrate, in a dry enclosure and only soak them once a week. It does not kill them right away. They live for weeks or months sometimes. Then, when it eventually dies, the breeder says it was fine when it was with him, so you must have done something wrong.

This is all explained in the thread.

 

[jabbamama]

Ok great!
And apparently I found the wrong conversion. He is actually 45 grams, not 38. Still small but it makes me feel a little better! I'll def be hitting the grocery store tomorrow after work for some endive, escarole, spring mix, and wheat grass if I can find it.
Is he too young for puréed pumpkin? Is canned ok?

 

[jabbamama]

Some lettuce once in a while is fine. Did you read my food sheet? There is no lettuce on there. They need a high fiber, grassy, weedy diet. This can be achieved many ways. Lettuce with some Zoomed in it, or blended grass hay, or fresh wheat grass, will all get the job done. Of course weeds and grass are the best way, just not always doable for everyone in winter.

The breeder either lied, or this baby is not growing.

There is no need for you to be short or condescending. I am genuinely looking for help in the care of our baby. I am reading everything. I only asked about lettuce because I was under the assumption that spring mix is lettuce, as well as endive and escarole.

 

[jabbamama]

I will admit I made a mistake with the weight and used the wrong conversion. He is actually 45 grams. I realize it's not a lot more but it is better than 38

 

[jabbamama]

Some lettuce once in a while is fine. Did you read my food sheet? There is no lettuce on there. They need a high fiber, grassy, weedy diet. This can be achieved many ways. Lettuce with some Zoomed in it, or blended grass hay, or fresh wheat grass, will all get the job done. Of course weeds and grass are the best way, just not always doable for everyone in winter.

The breeder either lied, or this baby is not growing.

Plus endive, escarole, and spring mix are not mentioned on the diet sheet you posted to me.

 

[Yvonne G]

When people say "lettuce" they are usually referring to iceburg. The lettuces in the Spring Mix are ok. Diet sheets are to be used as a guide, not the bible. Endive and escarole are very fibrous and nutritional. A fine choice as part of a varied diet.

 

[Yvonne G]

That's ok... Thank you.

Will a mix of organic wheat grass, collard greens, turnip greens, and a few others be a good way to start his new diet? Safe for every day?

Yes, that's ok for this week, but next week buy something different. You shouldn't stick to one type of food every time. Also, hay is hard for baby tortoises to eat. If that's all he was eating before with only a romaine leaf as an occasional treat, that's probably why he hasn't grown much. I think you'll start to see a difference once he's on a more 'green' diet.

So, buy a couple things this week, then next week buy a couple different things, and so on. Always looking outside for those weeds to be poking up through the snow.

 

[jabbamama]

I just picked up organic wheat grass, escarole, and orchard hay to start... About to make him a salad lol... Thanks