I was just wondering what everyone here is feeding their pancakes? I keep getting conflicting advice and I'm done listening to people who just want to sell me stuff. From what I've read its dark greens and low water content veggies. And keeping him indoors, one vet told me to use the calcium with the D3 and another told me not too because I'm using the UV bulb. It's like running in circles. I also have a bag of seed to grow that is supposed to be a desert tortoise mix.
Pancake newbie
- Thread starter Napalmseth
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I have a pancake, but I'm very new to them, so take everything I say with a grain of salt. I have been feeding mine the same greens I feed my other tortoises - spring mix, endive, escarole, dandelion, radicchio. He seems to like the mix best. I also put him outside and he will graze on the weeds and grasses. I don't use a bulb because he goes outside several times a week, and I use just plain calcium. Mine will not eat in front of me - I have to give him the food and then leave. Hope that was somewhat helpful! Good luck!
hi & welcome. i also have a pair of pancakes. spring mix, zucchini, squash, shredded carrots. i shred all veggies exce
pt the spring mix. i also give them shedded green apples once in awhile.so far, so good.summer is best clover, danadelions, they love them! good luck lindy
pt the spring mix. i also give them shedded green apples once in awhile.so far, so good.summer is best clover, danadelions, they love them! good luck lindy
If you are using the UVB bulb or it has exposure to direct sunlight, do not use D3. Another often overlooked necessity is water. They drink much more than one might expect.
yes you are right , not only do i soak them once a week, for some reason my male gobbles water, while my female does not.always been that way.my pancakes are not shy . the female will follow me around outside while the male chases her! i love these guys alot! (znip & zoey). will get some new pictures to post. good luck with your cakes.
momo said:
I totally agree. With my 1.2 group of subadults, I feed them a stable of Spring Mix...and then also use Mazuri, Leaf Lettuce, Escrole, Dandelions, and other assorted veggies as stated above. They get soaked twice a week and always drink. I've heard of people actually killing them by not giving them any water. They're truely a remarkable species and a joy to work with. The colors and patterns also vary from specimen to specimen and will blow you away! Below is my 1.2 group.
Thank you for all the help!!!! It's more than appreciated!!! I just brought my female home. Added a water dish and oddly enough, as stated above, my male gulped the water right away. I fed them spring mix and bought a bunch of greens and squash and carrots and they were quite hungry. Ill post pics of them as soon as possible. Thank you again. Love this forum already and it's only my second day!
hi again, really pretty torts.just wanted to let in on one more thing .i play raegae music for my pancakes. lots of eye to eye head bobbing. i watch them alot and they really are nice pets.nice shell coloring on your cakes! well, good luck & have fun with them. lindyNapalmseth said:
Think of their diet as half grass half weeds/flowers/greens. Grass can be fescue, lawn grass, bermuda grass, big bluestem, kentucky bluegrass, buffalo grass, sheep grass, etc.
Weeds like buckhorn plantain (plantago major), narrow leaf plantain (plantago lanceolata), dandelions, mallow, hawk bits, cat's ear, sowthistle, trefoil, clover, and chicory. Some good flowers can be hibiscus, gazanias, and nasturtiums.
Greens can be any dark leafy veggie you find.
You can also provide pumpkin/squash as treats. No fruit should ever be given to pancakes due to the risk of parasite blooms.
Weeds like buckhorn plantain (plantago major), narrow leaf plantain (plantago lanceolata), dandelions, mallow, hawk bits, cat's ear, sowthistle, trefoil, clover, and chicory. Some good flowers can be hibiscus, gazanias, and nasturtiums.
Greens can be any dark leafy veggie you find.
You can also provide pumpkin/squash as treats. No fruit should ever be given to pancakes due to the risk of parasite blooms.
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