Hi

Any advice on how much food should be given to a hatchling when overwintering, preventing overgrowth

Thank
Jane

Hi Jane

This is a difficult one to answer.  I definitely reduce the amount I give my tortoises and I weigh regularly to ensure there is no weight loss.  They still give me that 'I'm empty look' though so be prepared.

The best answer I can give is to offer less than normal.  Some feed every other day, but I feel that is too cruel with a hatchling (of course I could be wrong).

Sorry I can't be more helpful, but you could remind us of your tortoise's weight, age and let us know exactly how much you are offering and then we can perhaps tell you if that is too much!!!

Helen

Keya is 2yrs old- weighs between 177-184 grms (0.18 or 0.19) and is 9.8 cms in length, using the Jackson Ratio graphs.

I give her a mix of opuntia - 2-3 ring slices
                                           2-3 dandelion leaves depending on size
                                           1 dandelion head Med
 all with nutrobol and I don't feed one day out of 7

At 2 Keya is considered to be a juvenile rather than a hatchling Jane.  Try not to give the opuntia every day as it will cause her to have loose stools.  It is good but is something that should be given occasionally as a treat.  It's great that you are still managing to find dandelions though as they're disappearing fast around here, but I am managing to find bittercress and lots of narrow leaf plantain.  Winter pansy flowers can also add more variety to her diet.  Do you grow your own weeds indoors for her?

Floretti crispy salad mix is what most buy from the supermarket when there are absolutely no weeds to be found as all salad items in there will be OK to give.

The actual amount you are feeding sounds OK for her size as long as she isn't losing any weight.

HTH

Helen

Hi
No I haven't tried to grow weeds indoors yet, but that would probably be a good idea. I will definately be hibernating Keya next year, so with Keya & Molly both hibernating the food situation will not be such a problem, all being well!
I have learnt of a few alternative foods now, and will get some winter pansies on the go, so thank you for your help
Jane