How to Feed a Greek Spur-Thighed Tortoise

Spur-Thighed Tortoises have been recognized as pets in the United States since 2001. These reptiles are small in size -- about eight inches in length -- and have a mixture of colors that range from bright yellow to dark brown. This type tortoise needs a warm, dry environment to thrive. If fed properly, some Greek Tortoises live to be 100 years old.

Things You'll Need

  • Shallow pan or dish
  • Fresh greens and vegetables
  • Hay, leaves, grass, dandelions, prickly pear cactus pads and/or non-toxic weeds
  • Vitamin-mineral supplement (powder)
  • Cuttlebone or powdered calcium supplement
Show More

Instructions

    • 1

      Provide water in a shallow pan or dish that is large enough for the tortoise to soak in. While the Greek Tortoise needs plenty of fresh water to drink, it also occasionally enjoys soaking in a small pool of water. Fill the pan or dish with one to two inches of water. Make sure, however, that the water level is not enough for the animal to drown in.

    • 2

      Give the tortoise a daily salad of fresh mixed greens and vegetables. Greek Tortoises need a very high fiber diet. Provide as much food as you think the tortoise will need. As it grows, it'll need more food. Trial and error will determine the right amount that your tortoise needs.

    • 3

      Sprinkle a powdered vitamin and mineral supplement onto the mixed salad. Do this every three to four days to give the tortoise all the nutrients it needs. Give the tortoise the amount suggested on the supplement's label.

    • 4

      Give the Greek Tortoise as many natural and non-toxic weeds as possible. Hay, leaves, grass, dandelions and prickly pear cactus pads should also be given to the tortoise on a regular basis when available. Again, trial and error determines how much to feed the tortoise.

    • 5

      Put cuttlebone in the enclosure for the tortoise to eat. Cuttlebone provides the tortoise with the high level of calcium it needs for its diet. Check to see if the tortoise eats the cuttlebone.

    • 6

      Sprinkle a quality, powdered calcium supplement on the mixed green salad. Do this every three to four days if the tortoise isn't eating the cuttlebone, as not all tortoises eat it. Give the tortoise the amount of calcium recommended in the instructions.