Some questions about diet

[hlester22]

So I got my baby redfoot last Tuesday. I'm not sure of her age (susposedly 10 weeks) but she still has her egg tooth. Any way my questions concern the protein aspect of her diet. I've read that a lot of people don't start giving it till 6 months of age. Why that age? What changes in their system suddenly at that age, why no protein before 6 months? Secondly, which would be better for her, cat food or live worms. Not trying to be snarky or anything, I'm truly curious and want the best for my baby. Thanks.

 

[Redstrike]

https://sites.google.com/site/tortoiselibrary/nutrition/diet-plans

Be sure to read the last section in this article. I gave my two hatchlings phoenix/reptiworms, waxworms, etc. about once a week when the were in the 2-5 month period. Should be fine to give them some feeder insects or other protein sparingly, but that's just my take - doesn't mean it's right.

I doubt hatchlings in the wild aren't eating a lot of insects in addition to plant materials.

 

[hlester22]

Thanks. I guess I'm just having a hard time wrapping my mind around why I should wate so long to offer protein when they most likely are getting it in the wild. Now I just need to learn how to breed worms lol. We already breed fruit flys, so why not worms too.

 

[EddieW]

So I got my baby redfoot last Tuesday. I'm not sure of her age (susposedly 10 weeks) but she still has her egg tooth. Any way my questions concern the protein aspect of her diet. I've read that a lot of people don't start giving it till 6 months of age. Why that age? What changes in their system suddenly at that age, why no protein before 6 months? Secondly, which would be better for her, cat food or live worms. Not trying to be snarky or anything, I'm truly curious and want the best for my baby. Thanks.

I'm in the same situation as you Hlester. My two red foots are about 3 months now. I went a head and gave them some lives worms just a very small portion and they seemed to really enjoy them. That being said, since everyone says wait till 6 months i'll most likely only do this maybe once a month for now.

 

[Madkins007]

Almost no-one says to wait to 6 months before feeding proteins to red-footeds. If you review the major care sites and books, only one or two people teach the idea of witholding meat for the first six months, and no reasons are given.

Having said that, meat is a pretty small part of the general wild diet, although young torts may eat more bugs, worms, slugs, and snails than we realize since that sort of thing would be readily available in the nesting site and leaf-litter hides.

As for what is better, since it is a small part of the diet, it is not a big issue but... live bugs, worms, slugs and snails will always be the best option, followed by things like oily fish and chicken bits. Prepared dog and cat foods are convenient but offer few major benefits over 'real' foods.

The Library in my signature can take you to a lot of helpful sites.

 

[Yvonne G]

(Where the heck have you been, Mark?)

 

[Jacqui]

It's always been my belief that they would naturally be finding bugs within their environment. What tortoise will pass up a food source, when food equals survival?

 

[hlester22]

Thanks guys. That's what I was looking for. Opinions from people experienced in keeping this kind of tort.

 

[Redstrike]

It's always been my belief that they would naturally be finding bugs within their environment. What tortoise will pass up a food source, when food equals survival?

Well said! I'm with Madkins and Jacqui on this, nothing wrong with insects at any age, especially hatchlings.

 

[DanaLachney]

Ummm ok so if I bought some worms at the local Co-op how long would they live?

 

[Momof4]

I gave mine a red wiggler at just under a year and I swear he choked on it. I never gave him another only because I can't personally cut it up. So I just wanted you know because yours is young. I need to try it again though. I do give hard boiled egg, Pro Plan Cat food, and boiled chicken on protein Sunday. I want to try Mazuri too.

 

[Redstrike]

I gave mine a red wiggler at just under a year and I swear he choked on it. I never gave him another only because I can't personally cut it up. So I just wanted you know because yours is young. I need to try it again though. I do give hard boiled egg, Pro Plan Cat food, and boiled chicken on protein Sunday. I want to try Mazuri too.

Have you tried smaller grubs that you don't need to "slice-n-dice"? Silk worms, butterworms, soldier fly larvae, etc.
http://www.wormman.com/default.cfm
http://www.coastalsilkworms.com/store/

 

[Momof4]

I haven't tried these guys yet. I used to get my butters and silks from Mulberry Farms because I could drive there and not pay shipping. I don't even know if he's still around?

Just found them. http://www.mulberryfarms.com/