DK Leaf-eater SDK011
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More informationGiant tortoises
Aldabrachelys gigantea/Chelonoidis niger
Natural diet Giant tortoises
The natural diet of giant tortoises consists mainly of low-growing vegetation such as grasses, herbs, and shrubs. During the dry season, they may also consume cactus pads and fruits. They drink large amounts of water whenever available, but can go for long periods without water.
Feeding advice Giant tortoises
Feed quantity per day
2-5%
Sample percentage calculation
If an animal weighs 200 kg and eats 5% of its body weight, it will get
200 x 0.05 = 10 kg feed in total per day
Feed composition
10% Concentrates
90% Leafy greens and cabbages
Proportions (fresh product)
0.1 x 10 kg = 1,000 g concentrates
0.9 x 10 kg = 9,000 g leafy greens and cabbages
Feeding advice Giant tortoises
Feed quantity per day
2-5%
Sample percentage calculation
If an animal weighs 200 kg and eats 5% of its body weight, it will get
200 x 0.05 = 10 kg feed in total per day
Feed composition
10% Concentrates
90% Leafy greens and cabbages
Proportions (fresh product)
0.1 x 10 kg = 1,000 g concentrates
0.9 x 10 kg = 9,000 g leafy greens and cabbages
Diet Suggestions
Recommended
Variety of leafy vegetables
Pellets
Hay
In moderation
Variety of other vegetables
Browse
Not recommended
Fruits
Sweet vegetables
Common diseases
An unbalanced diet may result in one of these more commonly occurring diseases/conditions:
- Metabolic bone disease
- Respiratory disease
- Shell softening
- Obesity
Additional advice
- Feed according to the “Feed quantity per day” for 2-3 times per week.
- Feed high fiber products/ vegetables in the diet (read more about differences between vegetables).
- Avoid high protein and fat in the diet, as it can cause the tortoise to outgrow its shell.
- Tortoises require adequate calcium which can be supplemented through concentrates.
- Feeding fruits might lead to might lead to gastro-intestinal disturbances because of the high sugar level and low fiber level in cultivated fruits compared to wild fruits (read more about nutritional values of (wild) fruits and vegetables).
- Foraging behavior can be stimulated by dispersing the food throughout the enclosure (read more about feed enrichment and foraging behaviour).
Diet Suggestions
Recommended
Variety of leafy vegetables
Pellets
Hay
In moderation
Variety of other vegetables
Browse
Not recommended
Fruits
Sweet vegetables
Common diseases
An unbalanced diet may result in one of these more commonly occurring diseases/conditions:
- Metabolic bone disease
- Respiratory disease
- Shell softening
- Obesity
Species within this group
- Aldabra tortoises
- Galapagos tortoise
