Tortoise diets

[rickola]

Here's an interesting article. Any comments? http://davesgarden.com/guides/articles/view/3749/

 

[Yvonne G]

Nice, thanks. I've book marked it.

 

[Tom]

Overall an excellent article, full of good info. I don't agree with every point, but over all it is very good.

Here are my points of contention for discussion sake:
1. Protein does NOT cause pyramiding. Pyramiding is caused dehydration and too dry of an environment. It applies to all species including DTs. I HATE this incorrect, outdated, persistent myth.
2. I don't agree with the assertions about dietary D3. Most commercially available supplements would be very difficult to overdose with. I still think their benefits are very limited, and agree with Geoff that natural sunlight and a good diet are the BEST way to go.
3. I don't agree with his assertions about artificial diets either. They CAN be a good thing when used as a supplement to a good "natural" diet. I agree that they should not be fed exclusively, and the only two that I like are ZooMed and Mazuri.
4. In his discussion of indoor lighting and UV, he makes the comment, "-just don't." In regards to trying to raise a DT indoors. He then makes the statement that there are lots of other species available for these people who don't live in the right environment. I have three problems with this. 1. It is totally doable, if a few easy to follow steps are taken, and can be an ideal way to raise them too. 2. What makes the author think that these "other species" don't have the same or similar dietary and UV needs? They do. 3. I have seen this sort of snobbish attitude from many DT keepers, who somehow hold themselves and their chosen species above others. I don't like it. The info in this article is good for ANY species of tortoise. I wish he hadn't "gone there".

I could make a list ten times longer than this about all the points I agree with, so please don't think I am knocking the article. I'm not. If everyone followed his advice, we would have WAYYYY more successful tortoise keepers and healthier tortoises across the board. Thank you for posting this for us!

 

[Yellow Turtle]

I just finished reading this through lunch. I like this article although I know nothing of desert tortoise, but I believe this article works for all tortoise. This article just sum up many things that have been discussed here in this forum.

If I have things I disagree is the use of pelleted food and the need to keep them outdoor. I assume he means for adults and sub adults only though.