Proteins to feed 3mo old RF

[MHabrat]

Hi all,

I'm new to this forum and to tortoises as well, as my husband and I have been snake and other herp. owners for years prior to our newest addition (Jim the red-foot). I've done a lot of research and reading and the one thing I cannot seem to find solid consensus on is proteins for the RF diet. I understand that proteins are fed once a week, but which proteins are the best for one so small? We would prefer to keep Jim's diet natural and along the lines of what it would eat were it born in the wild so any suggestions would be great.

On a side note, I do know RFs an not be sexed till later in life, however my 7 year old son (for whom we got the tort) is convinced its a male and chose the name - we are still trying to figure out why "Jim".

 

[kathyth]

I start my Redfoot's on protein at 6 months old.
I follow the guidelines from Turtletary.com Redfoot Tortoise Care Sheet.
The results are fabulous!

 

[zenoandthetortoise]

I have a 'worm bin' (it's an old com poster, but just a bucket would work) that old veggies, greens, etc goes into along with any red worms or night crawlers that I run into while gardening. Once a week or so I offer these somewhat 'gut loaded' earthworms. I also sprinkle with Ca because it sticks and they get the Ca/d3 combo.
I've never used cat or dog food so can't help there.

 

[MHabrat]

Great! Thank you both. We would prefer to not use dog or cat food either so I'll absolutely be thinking about the worm idea. The dealer said they needed proteins now, they are truly ok to wait till 6 mo of age?

 

[zenoandthetortoise]

I've read the 6 month rule many places, but never with any explanation. Also, I noticed mine 'hunting' when he still had his egg tooth , so I have been offering ever since.

 

[MHabrat]

Ok. I will offer it and see how it goes. If Jim goes for it, great, if not I hold off a month and try again later!

 

[mike taylor]

I feed cooked chicken and fish . Eggsc are also good worms shrimp bugs . Plant protein like mushrooms are good but only the ones at the store . Most yard mushrooms are poisonous . Think like a tortoise if it moves slower than me its food .

 

[compassrose26]

I use meal worms and/or hard boiled eggs once a week. Mine are about 6 months old

 

[AnnV]

I was told once a month for a 'protein' meal. I never heard the 6 month thing, so mine got it right from when I got them at 3 months. But at once a month, they only ate a full protein meal 2 or 3 times by 6 months.

 

[mike taylor]

I never new the six month rule. I'm sure they eat protein yung in the wild .

 

[compassrose26]

And when I do use protein I don't use very much, I mix it in with greens. That's what I've heard to do but there are definitely different theories

 

[oneeyedClyde]

Mine love boiled eggs... I cut the egg up for them, they love it! I've attached pics of them eating their egg

 

[Michael in MO]

I haven't seen anyone mention balancing protein with calcium. If you're not the type to keep cuttlebone constantly in the pen (after a while it seems to become unappealing so I don't) I would offer a calcium source to balance out the growth spurt a high protein meal induces. I personally have never had any left over shrimp when served as protein. I get the raw and boil it without salt or seasoning (the precooked is not pristine shrimp) cool, peel and serve. If you'd like an easier way to serve protein.. most commercial water turtle feed is a high protein food source.

 

[MHabrat]

Thank you. We eat a lot of fresh shrimp as a family so I will select out a few pieces and cook it in plain water. I'll also try the egg. We use a calcium powder three times a week as directed by the vet. I agree it needs to be used to balance the diet.

 

[MHabrat]

So Jim Loves Hard Boiled eggs. We will try the shrimp next month. Thank you to everyone for all their wonderful suggestions! I am not exactly sure who to post images as I don't host them online somewhere, but I am attaching one, so hopefully it will come through!

 

[oneeyedClyde]

Omg! Jim is adorable!

 

[MHabrat]

Omg! Jim is adorable!

Thanks! We are enjoying having his as a member of the family!

 

[Redstrike]

See attached

I don't use superworms, too much chiton which could lead to impaction.
Point #3 under the table of the invert. feeder page is moot when considering poikilotherms ("cold blooded") your tortoise will not use fat more rapidly than you in captive conditions.

I love to use pheonix/repti worms. These are black soldier fly larvae (Hermetia illucens) they sequester calcium prior to pupation, are low in fat, and really good for developing redfoots.
I've also used frozen pinky mice, mine love them but it's a bit messy.

 

[MHabrat]

This is excellent information! Thank you for this!

 

[printer4u]

So Jim Loves Hard Boiled eggs. We will try the shrimp next month. Thank you to everyone for all their wonderful suggestions! I am not exactly sure who to post images as I don't host them online somewhere, but I am attaching one, so hopefully it will come through!

Great photo. Feed him or her less food, in the picture there was enough egg for at least two weeks.Less is key for a proper diet.