Timothy Hay For Tortoises

When considering the dietary needs or your grassland tortoise, timothy hay can be a great addition. This article will help you understand the nutritional needs of your pet grassland tortoise and give some tips and suggestions to keep your pet tortoise happy and healthy!!

Timothy hay is good for tortoises because the consistency and makeup of the hay mimics what is found in their natural environment.  In the wild, tortoises are foragers. They travel throughout the day looking for food and happily munching away on Mother Nature’s resources.  While it can be difficult to accurately mimic their dietary needs, timothy hay for tortoises provides a familiar taste and texture for your pet.

To thrive, tortoises need a diet high in calcium, fiber and plenty of Vitamin D-3 from basking in the sun (or UVB lighting if left inside). They do not need high amounts of sugar and protein, especially if they are being held in a restrictive area and their foraging space is limited. The less mobile your tortoise, the less amount of protein they should be given as they are unable to burn off the extra calories.

Timothy hay is a great way for tortoises to get plenty of fiber. While timothy hay should not be fed exclusively to your pet tortoise, your pet will appreciate the fragrant, nutrient-rich hay as a part of their diet. Keeping natural grasses, hays and plants for your turtle to consume are much better than the tortoise pellets that you might find in your local pet food store. These tend to be high in protein and sugar, both of which are not beneficial for your pet.

Timothy hay is good for grassland tortoises such as the Sulcata tortoise (as pictured).

Keeping their diets high in fiber will aid healthy digestion and make sure your small pet is able to pass normal, solid stools. In addition to timothy hay, your tortoises diet should be supplemented with flowers such as hibiscus, dandelion, petunia and viola among others. Try to avoid food pellets found in most pet food stores and abstain from feeding fresh foods (including fruits) as these will also be unnecessary if your pet is receiving quality hays, grasses and flowers.

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