Spinach?

[abra]

So, I'm pretty sure spinach isn't good for Russians or other types of torts but my friend and her mom think it is. I was talking to her yesterday at school and she said she feeds him Romain lettuce and spinach. I told her that I thought it wasn't good but I'd check, so is spinach good for Russians?

 

[coreyc]

I know its no good for leo's I would think it would be the same for Russians it binds the calcium to it an does not absorbed by the tort some body with Russians will post soon I hope thats right

 

[Sweetness_bug]

I was told spinach is not good for any Tort. I have 4 russians and dont feed any of them spinach.

 

[Kristina]

Spinach is fine, you just can't feed it ALL the time. A tortoise needs a much more varied diet than just romaine and spinach.

Check out the article that I wrote, in the articles section - it gives advice on food items and what amounts to feed. You can print off a copy and give it to your friend.

http://tortoiseforum.org/Thread-Nutritional-Considerations-for-Tortoises-The-Balanced-Diet-Revealed

 

[GBtortoises]

It's really not that spinach "isn't good" for Russian tortoises (or other species). Spinach is full of beneficial vitamins and minerals that tortoises need. It is high in calcium and has an acceptable calcium to phosphorus ratio. It's also very high in vitamin A, D & E. It does contain oxalic acid, which has been shown to bind minerals in the human body, therefore it is generally assumed to do the same with other species. Because of this many keepers avoid spinach. Some feed it sparingly. I'm a fan of the latter method-feeding sparingly. Oxalic acid is actually present in most plants at varying levels.
What's more important for a Russian tortoises (and again other species) good health is to feed a quality diet with lots of variety. Romaine and spinach alone is not a good diet.
For more information on Russian tortoise care you might want to check out this site:
www.russiantortoise.org

 

[abra]

Thanks guys! I'll read the article and look on russiantoroise.org for a balanced diet for both her tort and my Rambo

 

[tortoises101]

Spring mix is best. I like to switch between both spring mix and herb mix, plus mazuri of course. That way they get a little something different each week.

Sorry I disagree with you, but I don't think greens should be the main part of a tortoise's diet. Greens can be used as a smaller minor of the diet, but the main portion should consist of mixed weeds/flowers as those have higher fiber. I wouldn't recommend Mazuri for any Mediterranean tort, it has too much protein and tortoises don't eat Mazuri naturally!

And yeah, I wouldn't feed spinach or romaine unless it's an absolute emergency, or as a rare food item to add some variety. Spinach binds calcium and romaine has very little nutrition.

http://www.tortoisetrust.org/articles/articles.html

Check out this site; has lots of feeding articles, most are aimed at Mediterranean tortoises.

 

[Angi]

I feed organic spring mix and a large veriety of things I grow or that just grows where I live. I wish I could identify more plants because I am sure I have more they could eat, but I only feed what I know is safe. I would recomend buying some plants that are tort food, plant them in organic soil and in a few months they can eat the new groth. Some of my easy to grow plants are Geraniums, Roses, Hibiscus, Cape Honey Suckle, Fruitless Mulberry trees and of course dandylions. I am sure you could find something that torts like that grows were you are. I feed a little of other veggies too. A carrot peel once in a while or whatever I am feeding my family ( veggies).