Should you feed a tortoise everyday?

How much and how often should I feed my tortoise? As a general rule, you should offer an amount of food equivalent to the size of your tortoise’s shell. They should be fed once a day, 5 days a week. The 2 starve days can be implemented at any time, in any order.

Can you overfeed tortoise?

AVOID over-feeding your tortoise. Overfeeding is the single biggest mistake that most tortoise keepers make. Reptiles have slower metabolisms than mammals like dogs and cats, so they really do not need to take in as much food as you might think.

Why is my turtle always hungry?

Summary. Your turtle is always hungry because they are opportunistic feeders by nature and do not know when they will get their next meal. You will need to learn how to ignore this behavior and stick to a regular feeding schedule. Overfeeding your turtle should be much more of a concern to you than underfeeding it.

How long can tortoises go without food?

Tortoises are robust creatures and, as long as their other needs are met, can go for several months without food. Although it is not recommended, it is possible for an adult tortoise to survive for 6 months of starvation.

How do I know if my tortoise is eating enough?

You can tell if a tortoise is healthy if it has a healthy appetite. What is this? If your tortoise suddenly stops eating or becomes very picky, she may not be feeling well. Sometimes, a lack of appetite has more to do with overfeeding extra treats though, so be careful how much you’re feeding.

Can I feed my tortoise lettuce?

Tortoises can eat lettuce but it’s not nutritionally great for them. Dandelions and other weeds are generally better.

Will turtles overeat?

Don’t Overfeed Your Turtle Like many other animals, turtles are opportunistic feeders and will often continue to eat as long as food is available. Turtles will also “beg” for food when you pass by their enclosure or venture near that coveted food shelf.

How do you know if you are overfeeding your turtle?

How to Tell If You Are Overfeeding Your Turtle

1. There are folds of fat that develop around their legs even when their legs are not retracted.
2. Noticeable folds of fat that develop around their legs when retracted.
3. Their scutes are widely-separated (the lines that separate the scutes will become larger and larger).

Do tortoises like to be scratched?

The short answer. The short answer is that yes, in many cases tortoises do like their shells to be scratched or petted. Just like some people like to hug their friends and other people don’t like hugs, some tortoises really enjoy having their shells scratched and other tortoises don’t like it so much.

Do tortoises poo every day?

Some animals seem to be always going to the bathroom while others seem to do it more sparingly. What is this? Tortoises are one of those animals are seldom use the bathroom. When a tortoise is healthy, you can expect them to poop every two to three days.

Is it OK to feed a tortoise every day?

In fact, if you feed a tortoise every day, they will actually put themselves into a starvation as their system can’t handle eating that regularly. It is recommended to feed them five times a week, which allows their system to catch up on the two days food is withheld.

How long can a tortoise go without food?

Tortoises can stay for very long periods with no food. They can go for as long as 2 to three years without eating. The quality of their health will be questionable though so avoid this. Do Tortoises Need Feeding Every Day? Most tortoise species need only be fed five or six times a week. They do not need to be fed every single day.

Do tortoises eat when they come out of hibernation?

Tortoises tend not to be too hungry when they emerge from hibernation. They prioritize water and hydration over food and sustenance. While you do want your tortoise to eat as soon as possible after a hibernation don’t be surprised if they don’t show interest in food for two or three days.

Can tortoises eat peas and beans?

Foods like peas and beans should never be given to your tortoise. These are higher in protein and not good for the tortoise’s liver or kidneys. Remember, these reptiles are predominantly vegetarians and therefore don’t need a lot of protein.