Question about protein for redfoots

[PinkPine]

Since I joined this site I've been questioning everything I've been told regarding care for my tortoises. I have a question for the more experienced redfoot keepers- what is the best source of protein for a 4 year old Cherry Head? And how often/ what amount? I've had him for almost 2 years and he has been eating 1 frozen thawed pinky per week. Sometimes I sub it with half a hard boiled egg instead for variety

 

[mojo_1]

Since I joined this site I've been questioning everything I've been told regarding care for my tortoises. I have a question for the more experienced redfoot keepers- what is the best source of protein for a 4 year old Cherry Head? And how often/ what amount? I've had him for almost 2 years and he has been eating 1 frozen thawed pinky per week. Sometimes I sub it with half a hard boiled egg instead for variety

They can eat shrimp and chicken too boiled plain. Or super worms. A lot of people feed it once a week or every other week. Also Mazuri pellets, mealworms, crickets if you can stand the noise they make while alive. Just to name a few. You can give them the shell with the hard boiled egg too.

 

[PinkPine]

They can eat shrimp and chicken too boiled plain. Or super worms. A lot of people feed it once a week or every other week. Also Mazuri pellets, mealworms, crickets if you can stand the noise they make while alive. Just to name a few. You can give them the shell with the hard boiled egg too.

Thanks! I had no idea about shrimp. He eats just about anything (and tries going for things he should not) so I think I'll have luck introducing new food

 

[SinLA]

@ZEROPILOT

 

[ZEROPILOT]

I like @mojo_1 list.
But you can also use wet dog food. Cat food and animal protein (meat) including pinky mice.
However I feed little protein myself to my RF group simply because of how plentiful other foods are here year round.
I'd say that up to 10% would be fine.

 

[ZEROPILOT]

Thanks! I had no idea about shrimp. He eats just about anything (and tries going for things he should not) so I think I'll have luck introducing new food

What's on the "should not" list?
Just curious.
Redfoot can eat almost any fresh and non processed food that you eat. In moderation.
They can eat things that would make most other species very ill.

 

[TammyJ]

What's on the "should not" list?
Just curious.
Redfoot can eat almost any fresh and non processed food that you eat. In moderation.
They can eat things that would make most other species very ill.

I would definitely put dog 💩 on the "should not" list...! Also processed and salty food.

 

[mojo_1]

I would definitely put dog 💩 on the "should not" list...! Also processed and salty food.

I personally would put tortoise 💩 on that list but they still manage to eat that when they get a chance. 🤣

 

[PinkPine]

What's on the "should not" list?
Just curious.
Redfoot can eat almost any fresh and non processed food that you eat. In moderation.
They can eat things that would make most other species very ill.

He tries eating his own poop sometimes when he soaks.

Also, human toes

 

[ZEROPILOT]

He tries eating his own poop sometimes when he soaks.

Also, human toes

Unfortunately they'll also eat dog and cat poop

 

[k8tburt]

I feed mine soaked high protein cat kibble or canned cat food. About a table spoon once a week. The funny thing is I have never had a problem feeding them protein, they happily eat whatever flavor they are given. But give them a new green food and they behave like small children and refuse to eat it!

 

[PinkPine]

I feed mine soaked high protein cat kibble or canned cat food. About a table spoon once a week. The funny thing is I have never had a problem feeding them protein, they happily eat whatever flavor they are given. But give them a new green food and they behave like small children and refuse to eat it!

Same with the greens! And dried flowers - I spent so much on a huge variety and my redfoot turns his nose at them. But he's all over his own floaters in the tub

 

[mojo_1]

Same with the greens! And dried flowers - I spent so much on a huge variety and my redfoot turns his nose at them. But he's all over his own floaters in the tub

Some times you just have to give them tough love and not give them the choice of anything else. They will come around to it pretty quick.

 

[ZEROPILOT]

Some times you just have to give them tough love and not give them the choice of anything else. They will come around to it pretty quick.

Yes they will.
A healthy tortoise won't starve itself. It'll eat when it gets good and hungry.
Most adult RF will eat almost anything. They get less picky as they get older.