Grass and hay should make up about 80% of a sulcata tortoise’s diet, but not all sulcatas are ravenous about hay. And, you’ll likely find that baby sulcatas and younger sulcata tortoises won’t eat hay at all.
If your tortoise won’t eat hay, try these few tips.
- Try a different hay. There are different types of hay that are safe for sulcata tortoises to eat. If your tortoise doesn’t like one type of hay, try another hay.
- Soak the hay in water to re-hydrate it. Soaking the hay in water will give it a different texture. Your tortoise just may not like eating dried hay.
- Try a hay alternative, like pellets or cubes.
- Chop up the hay really small in a plate of other foods that the tortoise will eat. It’ll be hard for the tortoise to pick out the hay. Over time, the sulcata will eventually get used to the flavor and texture.
Is There Something Wrong with My Sulcata?
Nope. Some tortoises just don’t like hay. But, the only way to get your tortoise eating hay is to keep on it. Don’t give up. Hay is a great source of nutrition when the grass is frozen or dead during the winter months.
You may even find that your tortoise wakes up one day and decides he’s going to eat it. So, don’t give up.
Best Hay for Sulcata Tortoise
There are different types of hay. Each hay has different properties and benefits, so when choosing hay for your tortoise, look for a low protein, high fiber hay.
Popular hay for tortoises include:
- Meadow hay
- Oat hay
- Orchard hay
- Timothy hay
Alternatives to Hay for Sulcata Tortoise
Looking for an alternative to loose hay? Check out hay pellets or hay cubes. Timothy hay pellets are popular with many tortoise keepers as an alternative to both hay and Mazuri. Buy hay pellets online or at a local feed store, where you may also find livestock foods.
