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My star tortoise won't drink. What food is best for healthy growth?

Updated On September 23rd, 2025

Pet's info: Other | Unknown - Other | Male

i have a star tortoise he doesn't drink water...after that suggest me what kind of nutrition food i give to them for a good growth

2 Answers

Most Helpful Answer

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Answered By Angel Alvarado, LVT

Licensed Veterinary Technician

Published on December 11th, 2016

A star tortoise will readily drink standing water. Provide a shallow bowl of fresh water. Clean and refill the bowl daily. Confirm proper temps in the enclosure. Star tortoises do best in temps between 80 F and 90 F with a basking area of 95 F. Temperature plays an important role in appetite and activity. If he doesn't drink, you can soak him once or twice weekly in warm water or a 50/50 solution of water and unflavored PediaLyte. Soaks can last between 15-30 minutes. Star tortoises require a high fiber diet that is rich in calcium. Feed a varied diet including grasses, vegetables and greens for optimal growth. Grasses that can be fed include, fescue, blue grass, mature alfalfa or Bermuda grass. Vegetables offered can be pumpkin, squash, peas, mushroom or bell peppers. Greens include collard/turnip/mustard greens, dandelions, escarole and grape leaves. The above foods make up a partial list of acceptable items. It is by no means all inclusive. If your tortoise does not begin drinking on his own, consider an exam with an experienced herp veterinarian.

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Other Answers

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    Answered By Jacqueline Nobles, DVM, DACVECC

    Veterinarian, Board-Certified Emergency/Critical Care Specialist

    Published on

    Provide him with a drinking dish and fresh water daily. Star tortoises graze and feed on a variety of grasses and vegetation. They require a high-fiber diet rich in calcium. Their captive diet may include grasses, greens, vegetables, fruit, and prepackaged or commercial diets. Grasses: Bermuda grass, rye, mature alfalfa (not sprouts), blue grass and fescue. Greens: collard greens, turnip greens, mustard greens, spinach Vegetable: carrots, zucchini, butternut squash, pumpkin, snap or snow peas, mushrooms, sweet potato, yellow squash and bell peppers. A small portion of their diet may include fruits, such as tomatoes, apples, papayas, cantaloupes, honeydews, watermelons, strawberries, raspberries, grapes, mangos and bananas.

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