by Sico » Thu May 24, 2012 3:33 pm
Red Flowers? Crickets? Seriously? I don't mean to sound unwelcoming of a new site member, but your posts over the last 24 hours Acidity really give the impression that you don't have a clue what you are on about. Perhaps it would be a good idea to read, listen, and learn, before you try and advise.
Bern46, It would really help us if we knew where you were, as that would give us an idea of what temperatures your part of the country is experiencing, as well as the potential species of tortoise it is, and whatever other info you have such as whomever gave it to you found it in their garden, or they picked it up on a sand dune in the Eastern Cape etc. You appear to be new as well to the game, and it's great that you are asking questions, but you need to give us something to work with here... It's like going to the doctor, you can't just walk in and say "I have a sore ankle" and expect them to treat it based on that...
Leafy vegetables (not just lettuce as it's pretty much just water and has little nutritional value - spinach, cabbage, carrot tops etc are all good), and soft fruit like paw paw, mango, banana etc, and anything like apples, pears, carrots, oranges and so forth are all eaten by most species of tortoise. If it is a really small one, then slice the stuff up really thinly so it is easy to bite through, and don't worry if it doesn't seem to eat that much. They can go a fair bit of time without a huge amount of food. A shallow water dish about 1cm will be sufficient, keep the water fresh and clean. If you're really worried about it, and you're not experienced in keeping reptiles then rather give it to someone who can take care of it properly. They are pretty hardy critters, and don't require much effort to look after, Ideally they should be outside, but they can escape from something that you may think is tortoise proof, and dog's love chewing them to bits. There is plenty of info on torts on the site, do a general search and I am sure that most of your questions will be answered, otherwise feel free to PM me. Good luck with the little fella.
Mark
Good judgment comes from experience. Unfortunately, experience usually comes from bad judgment.