So I have this red foot tortoise

[jmora]

I am looking to add some variety of foods for my red foot tortoise, Penelope. I was curious to know what everyone (who owns a red foot) feeds their tortoises and what foods have you tried that didn't work out. Also, been seeing a lot of new"er" commercial foods (see listed below) and was wondering if anyone had any objections or dislikes about them.

Zoo Med Tortoise Block http://www.drsfostersmith.com/produc...0&pcatid=24280
Oxbow Salad Style Grass Hay Blend http://www.drsfostersmith.com/produc...id=21479&rel=1
and the soft gel that comes in the 8 oz container...

THANKS!

[Misskiwi67]

I feed my tortoise mostly spring mix and spinach mix greens because they come in packaging where the lettuce doesn't go bad quickly. I also feed zoo-med natural forest tortoise diet which you moisten into a mush, and I mostly keep this around for when fresh foods aren't available. I have offered strawberries and mango without much interest, he also hates kale. I have a friend who's RF loves kale, so there is quite a bit of individual preference. Lately my hibiscus has been producing a lot of flowers, so he gets these 2-3 times a week in addition to the lettuce.

I would not feed any of the foods you listed. The oxbow hay might be OK if you added water to it to soften it, its a quality product, its just not fresh. Tortoises are meant to consume fresh foods, not dry hay.

[Kate]

Kind of off topic, but are they fun pets?

[Misskiwi67]

Yes, they are great pets. They are a LONG term committment though, with an expected lifespan of 50+ years. They have very endearing personalities, I love them! They are much better than many other species of tortoise in my opinion. I've worked with many different species at zoos, and redfoots were by far the most personable short of the galapagos torts.

[Kate]

How big do they get? I hope to rescue a tortoise one day either from idiots who didn't realize the commitment, or when one outlives their owner.

[goReptiles]

Columbian red foots get bigger than Brazilian red foots. They average 8-14".

Try adding bell peppers and berries. Mine always love those. I offer a thawed mouse once in a while,which they love.

[Misskiwi67]

How big do they get? I hope to rescue a tortoise one day either from idiots who didn't realize the commitment, or when one outlives their owner.

A google search for some care sheets will tell you everything you need to know.

[Cgrookie]

This seems like a pretty informative site: http://www.turtletary.com/main.htm

[geckoluv]

I have several tortoises...all have been given to me by third party rescuers who for some reason all thought i should have some tortoises in my menagerie lol.
But I don't use any packaged foods at all...lots and lots of greens mostly Romaine and I switch it up with collards or kale but they prefer romaine. I also break up bell peppers... all colors...and mix it in their salad...they love them! I also do red hybiscus flowers as well as the ocassional watermelon which they also come running for as soon as they smell it.
Lol I have an outdoor huge pen where if you searched all day you would never find them but when I have a favorite food there they all are
They also sell tortoise seed mixes with different formulas for your species and they are a great mix of flowers weeds and grasses. Even if your guy stays inside you can plant them in planters or pots...most look pretty...and cut as needed. My enclosure outside is all St Augustine grass so I use garden boxes or a side yard I have to throw the mix. Everyone comes into the inside turtle box in winter which in FL lasts about 3weeks lol. And I plant my mix inside then