Newcomers to tortoises (that includes me) seem to be baffled by all the conflicting and confusing advice out there. I thought a thread to try to sort through it might be helpful (or at least interesting). I've compiled my own list of twelve bits of rather conflicting information and advice, but will restrain myself and start with one. Please feel free to bring up your own confusion...
1. Nutrition of weeds compared to store-bought produce.
Conflicting advice a) Do not feed store-bought produce. It is high in nutrition (and sugars) because it is harvested from well-fertilized plots. It is too rich. Your tortoise will grow too fast. In the wild tortoises feed on nutrient poor plants.
Conflicting advice b) Do not feed store-bought produce. It is nutritionally poor. Feed your tortoise weeds since they are high in nutrients and will provide your tortoise with the best diet.
So, we're agreed on feeding weeds and minimizing the store bought produce. All good.
But then which is it? Is the produce nutrient rich...and the weeds poor? Or vice versa.
I'm voting for Conflicting advice a!
1. Nutrition of weeds compared to store-bought produce.
Conflicting advice a) Do not feed store-bought produce. It is high in nutrition (and sugars) because it is harvested from well-fertilized plots. It is too rich. Your tortoise will grow too fast. In the wild tortoises feed on nutrient poor plants.
Conflicting advice b) Do not feed store-bought produce. It is nutritionally poor. Feed your tortoise weeds since they are high in nutrients and will provide your tortoise with the best diet.
So, we're agreed on feeding weeds and minimizing the store bought produce. All good.
But then which is it? Is the produce nutrient rich...and the weeds poor? Or vice versa.
I'm voting for Conflicting advice a!