Radicchio only!

[Larrysmom]

I'm a new Russian tortoise owner. I've had Larry for 3 weeks now. He is a picky eater. He will NOT eat kale. Picks at collard greens. Loves Radicchio. In fact it's the only thing I can get him to eat now.

I have read that I need to vary his diet but he refuses to eat anything else. I have tried samplings of cucumber skin, mustard greens, endive, romaine.

Is it ok that he eats so much radicchio? Should I withhold food and "make " home eat something else?

Thanks for any guidance

 

[Yvonne G]

It's really not a good idea for them to just eat only one food item. Buy a couple different things including the radicchio and cut it up small, then mix it all together. Only put a small amount of the radicchio. If he doesn't eat, then he doesn't eat. Don't give in. They won't starve themselves.

Also, try giving him some edible weeds. This is a good time to find lots of things growing outside - miner's lettuce, prickly sow thistle, mallow, etc.

 

[Larrysmom]

Ok thank you!

 

[dmmj]

does any of your local grocery stores sell dandelions? Those are a favorite of Russians.

 

[Larrysmom]

Unfortunately no. But they'll be growing in my yard soon

 

[RosemaryDW]

On the positive side, radicchio isn't the worst thing he could have chosen to eat!

Yvonne is right, he won't starve himself.

Are you near any Asian or Hispanic grocery stories? Asian stores often carry dandelions, sometimes "red" dandelions. Hispanic groceries sell cactus pads, which your tortoise might like. (Or hate, they are so stubborn!)

 

[Larrysmom]

On the positive side, radicchio isn't the worst thing he could have chosen to eat!

Yvonne is right, he won't starve himself.

Are you near any Asian or Hispanic grocery stories? Asian stores often carry dandelions, sometimes "red" dandelions. Hispanic groceries sell cactus pads, which your tortoise might like. (Or hate, they are so stubborn!)

I am. I'll have a ok!

On the positive side, radicchio isn't the worst thing he could have chosen to eat!

Yvonne is right, he won't starve himself.

Are you near any Asian or Hispanic grocery stories? Asian stores often carry dandelions, sometimes "red" dandelions. Hispanic groceries sell cactus pads, which your tortoise might like. (Or hate, they are so stubborn!)

I

On the positive side, radicchio isn't the worst thing he could have chosen to eat!

Yvonne is right, he won't starve himself.

Are you near any Asian or Hispanic grocery stories? Asian stores often carry dandelions, sometimes "red" dandelions. Hispanic groceries sell cactus pads, which your tortoise might like. (Or hate, they are so stubborn!)

am. I'll have a look!

 

[Larrysmom]

I am and I will hav a. Look!

 

[thefalconwizard]

I would recommend the florette salad as it includes radicchio, lamb's lettuce and frisée. Most tortoises favour the radicchio like my tort does. Nothing to worry about.

 

[Larrysmom]

I'll give a try! Thanks

 

[SkiMamaRN]

I'm a new Russian tortoise owner. I've had Larry for 3 weeks now. He is a picky eater. He will NOT eat kale. Picks at collard greens. Loves Radicchio. In fact it's the only thing I can get him to eat now.

I have read that I need to vary his diet but he refuses to eat anything else. I have tried samplings of cucumber skin, mustard greens, endive, romaine.

Is it ok that he eats so much radicchio? Should I withhold food and "make " home eat something else?

Thanks for any guidance

How is Larry doing now with mixing it up? Ours love raddichio too