The Tortoise Table

Hi there

Can/should I feed my Hermanns any apple? I recently found him nibbling on an apple core!

Thanks
Steve

Hi,

No they don't need fruit and I wouldn't give it to them. It messes with their gut flora and it's not a part of their natural diet. They might like it, but just like with kids and candy, doesn't mean you should give it.

Kimberley

Yes, well said, Kimberley!
A Hermanns tortoise's digestive system doesn't cope well with the natural sugars in fruit (and tomatoes count as a fruit too). In the wild they do occasionally encounter fallen fruit on the ground, and they will certainly eat it, but as Kimberley said it's a bit like feeding chocolate to a baby -- they love it but it's not really good for them.

Nina

Thanks Kimberly and Nina. I thought so but best to double check.