Question 1

Can i offer both this and the forest blend to my indian star?  it looks as though they live in both habitats.   also, when soaking,  for how long?

Accepted Answer

Yes, this is a good addition to any tortoise's diet, even an Indian Star tortoise! It's high in fiber as it is compressed hay/grass. I feed it a 1-3 times a week, sometimes I just throw in the pellets dry as one of my Sulcata tortoises doesn't mind eating it dry. But when I do add water, I put maybe a 1/4cup in a small bowl and add warm water just above the amount of pellets, cover with anything to keep the warmth in and let it soak for about 5 minutes. It fluffs up quite a bit so a little goes a long ways when you add water! At first they didn't like it, but eventually they'll eat it when I only offer that for a week or so. And now, when I give it to them a few times a week, they don't mind it at all! That way I can be sure they get enough solid fiber along with all the veggies and greens they get!! Enjoy and good luck!

-2 Sulcatas- 1 Russian

Question 2

How long will it last once opened?

Accepted Answer

How long it lasts depends on how much you feed your tortoise -- it could be more than a season for a little one, or just one season for a larger tortoise. Feed a quantity that the tortoise will finish, then clean up any remainders -- bugs like the stuff!
I use almost boiling water and let the pellets sit for at least half an hour to ensure every piece is a mushy texture.

Question 3

What are the Ingredients

Accepted Answer

Click on the 7.5 oz selection. Then go through the pictures. You will find the ingredients there.

Question 4

Isn't 9% protein to much for a dessert tortoise (I have a sulcata)?

Accepted Answer

The original "Megadiet" (Tortoise Monster Diet by Ziegler Bros.) that was recommended for years by Tortoise Group in Nevada was 12% protein & only 8.5% fiber. It was developed by nutrition specialists at the Smithsonian National Zoo to be a complete desert tortoise food, but later found to be too high protein & way too little fiber. Now they recommend this (ZooMed Grassland 9% protein/26% fiber/5:1 calcium to phosporus ratio) with growing plants to browse. I always moisten it with 2 parts water to 1 part chow until no hard pieces remain. My 2 desert torts are very big and healthy, with nice rounded shells (no "pyramiding"). They love this stuff, it just took a little getting used to. Mixed it with their favorite treats at first, then slowly cut back on the additives. TOUGH LOVE--they will eventually eat it! Their favorite occasional treats with it now are globe mallow, hibiscus flowers, dandelions, & chopped or shredded broccoli (sparingly). Avoid TOO much cabbage family--broccoli, Kale, mustard greens or collards depress their thyroids & can cause goiter. No spinach! (Its oxalic acid binds up calcium). Sure they love lettuce, but it is WORTHLESS for them, and they stop eating the good stuff! No sweet fruit, tomatoes or corn. No canned or frozen veggies or anything with sodium. Aim for at least a 2:1 calcium to phosphorus ratio, and low protein/high fiber (no dog or cat food!! Peas or beans only very sparingly--too much protein &phosphorus). For browsing you can grow dandelions, petunias, verbena, spineless cactus, hollyhocks, (young) grape leaves, rose petals, globe mallow, but use no pesticides.

Zoo Med Gourmet Tortoise Food, 7.5 oz

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