Sully Growth Spurt?

[hnnhflns]

Hi all!
My Little Foot is getting to be about a year old now. He (we just call it a he to be simple) hasn't grown much (we gauge him growing by weighing him) since we adopted him. He has only gained about 10 oz. since late September. He gets sunlight and a nice long soak every day. He is allowed to eat any grass out side as well as Kale and Romaine.

What is worrying me is that his appetite has suddenly increased dramatically. He has started trying to eat everything he sees, even fingers when he gets Romaine and Kale! Is he just that hungry all the time? Is he finally having a growth spurt? Should I be doing something else to make sure he isn't hungry?

Thanks!

 

[Yvonne G]

How refreshing to read a thread about a good appetite instead of the usual my-tortoise-won't-eat threads. I say, "Yippee!!!" How great that he's eating and wanting more. If it were my tortoise I would allow him to eat as much as he wants to. Nobody curtails their intake in the wild. He knows best what's good for him.

 

[hnnhflns]

So this is good behavior? I am worried because it doesn't seem like he has grown very much. I just want to make sure that there isn't anything else I should be doing?

 

[Tom]

Try to offer lots of calcium rich foods, and either some occasional Mazuri or some legumes like alfalfa, clover or the various beans to make sure he has enough protein to support his growth. Cuttlebone or powdered calcium couple of times a week would be a good idea too. Here are some suggestions for things to feed:
http://www.tortoiseforum.org/threads/for-those-who-have-a-young-sulcata.76744/

I would also do daily soaks during this time, especially with increased calcium and protein. The soaks will also help keep the shell growing smooth.