So if you monitor your tortoise’s weight using this method, you should in time be able to get a feel for whether you’re providing enough or too little food. eval(ez_write_tag([[300,250],'tortoiseexpert_com-medrectangle-4','ezslot_5',107,'0','0'])); Whilst it’s not unheard of for these species to be spotted gobbling the occasional slug, for all intents and purposes they should be thought of as strictly herbivorous from an owner’s point of view, as excess protein isn’t necessary in their diet. Provide a single small piece of meat or protein rich food once per week. My personal preference is to provide dandelions for my Hermann’s tortoise because they’re in such great abundance where I live, and of course clover and fescue grasses are also available as the ‘substrate’ in my outdoor enclosure, so they’re always on hand when desired. It is always wise to err on the side of caution and avoid exposure. 5. IMHO ‘No’ Ingredients 1. Whether or not you provide this ‘half hour’ diet twice per day is really up to you. Note that the treatments recommended are for humans. Hundreds of plants are poisonous for the Russian tortoise (Agrionemys horsfieldii), and some of them are rarer than others. Observe for problems in swallowing and breathing, and increased drooling. Whilst shop bought vegetables can be nutritious enough as long as they’re washed, and ideally organic varieties  (I’m not sure why some people argue otherwise), there’s no denying that home grown foods, or more specifically foods home grown by nature, are the healthiest option for tortoises. While they can stand different smells, you should make sure that the reed diffuser you have picked is entirely free of any chemicals or dangerous substances that can be detrimental for the health of your pet. Observe for problems in swallowing and breathing, and increased drooling. Treatment: Rinse mouth and dilute with fluids. Be sure to note the correct spellings of both the common and the botanical names, and keep a list of the names for future use. It may cause a reaction in children who swallow small amounts. I run an ultrasonic diffuser all the time with peppermint oil or lavender. Mediterranean tortoises will like Rosemary and Lavender, and Desert tortoises such as Sulcata's (also known as African Spurred) will like Pampas grass. Lavender oil is generally not poisonous in adults when breathed in during aromatherapy or swallowed in smaller amounts. 7th ed. The minor difference in the tropical tortoise diet is that fruits can be offered with the same level of frequency as ‘lumpy vegetables’ in the subtropical diet. Things get more critical when you’re choosing between plants that are a lot less familiar as ‘food’ and that may in fact be toxic. Formerly, the term tortoise was used to refer to any terrestrial turtle. Another way to ensure your tortoise is properly hydrated is to give the tortoise a shallow bath with warm water. Contact with the sap may cause burning, swelling 6 stalks celery, cut into medium dice. Similarly to birds, the respiratory system of your tortoise is incredibly fragile. Some plants are also dangerous to tortoises. Use your own best judgment in applying them to your pets. Be careful not to rub it into the eyes. Tortoises (/ ˈ t ɔːr. Such foods are not totally devoid of protein, they simply contain it in lower amounts, but this is more than enough for most tortoise species. Besides food and water the other important element of a tortoise’s diet is supplementation, or more specifically calcium supplementation. However, again for red foot tortoises a small amount of dog food can provide the protein they require. Almost all protein rich foods should be taken off the menu for all but red foot tortoises. This will prolong the life of the plant too. Trait Combos. One rule of thumb seems to be; whatever your tortoise can consume within half and hour should be the amount you continue to provide for them. Whether tortoise babies are male or female is determined by Mother Nature. Just because a flower isn't listed here doesn't mean that torts can eat it. Latin name Common name/s edible parts. So the same 80% leafy green vegetable approach should be adopted as per sub tropical tortoises. Although the essential oils of Thyme when refined down and eaten in large quantities can be toxic, the plant itself, if fed as part of a wider, varied diet should be fine. A weekly offering of a small piece of meat or fish will be more than enough to meet their needs. Treatment: Rinse mouth, and if contact with skin, wash with soap and water. PAMPAS GRASS (Cortaderia selloana) PARLOR PALM (Chamaedorea … Furthermore tortoises are well known for being able to take in water from both ends (yes really!) so it’s important to place them in a shallow tray of water once or twice a week for 10 or 15 minutes so they can have a proper soak and the chance to take on additional water if necessary. Are tortoise poisonous? I assume that they'd be okay, simply because most herbivores don't eat evergreens. Take care not to use fencing that a tortoise can climb easily. In some plants, the toxin is present only in a certain plant part, such as the seeds or the leaves, or some other part. Many common plants are toxic, and keepers must make sure that their herbivorous chelonians are kept away from them. The testudinids are easily recognized because all share a unique hind-limb anatomy made up of elephantine (or cylindrical) hind limbs and hind Find many great new & used options and get the best deals for OAKLEY "Dangerous" Women’s Sunglasses 115 Tortoise/Lavender Polarized Pre-owned at the best online prices at eBay! Contact with sap may produce a skin rash, itching, or irritation.Treatment: Wash skin with soap and water. This means that jungle tropical tortoises have evolved to be omnivorous and able to digest a wider range of food groups without issue. Salt and freshly cracked pepper. cause ill effects to various organs. Tortoise sounds include a mix of hissing and grunting, and when threatened, tortoises can retract their legs, head and tail into their hard upper shell. But an average lifespan of tortoise is between 90-150 years. Contagious or Infectious Diseases. For Sale Sold All Browse Latest. False Solomon's Seal (False Spikenard, Treacleberry, False Solomons Seal, False Lily of the Valley, Solomon's Plume) Maianthemum spp., esp. This transformation … Tropical tortoises are a slightly different kettle of fish as far as diet goes. plant. Turtles in general require a diet which is higher in protein than most tortoises. Atamasco lily: Zephyranthes spp. eval(ez_write_tag([[250,250],'tortoiseexpert_com-narrow-sky-2','ezslot_16',122,'0','0'])); As you might expect, what constitutes food unsuitable for tortoises is a subject of great debate. Contact with the sap may cause burning, swelling and pain. Thanks for asking this question Tyanna. Non-toxic list of safe plants for your lizards to eat In the list below you will see common name and scientific name of safe plants suitable to put in your reptile terrarium, which can also be consumed by lizards such as Bearded Dragons or Chameleons without fear of any toxicity. Tortoises for Sale in the United States Browse 362 tortoises in 87 ads by 20 traits and subcategories. Also check for irritation and swelling of mouth, lips, and tongue. Tortoises should not have Lilly of the Valley, do not feed them it! In other plants, every part of the plant contains the toxin. Anthurium: Anthurium spp. The major effects are due to allergic reactions of the skin. I would advise feeding your tortoise such products sparingly, in much the same way as non leafy green veg, as being dried out foods I question how nutritious they can really be, but certainly as a supplementary food they’re a great option. Shop bought salad mixes vary in their nutritional value, with something like iceberg lettuce offering little but a source of water. The bulk of tortoise breeds fall into what I would call a ‘sub-tropical’ species bracket. Glycoside. 2 1/2 pounds turtle meat, cut into medium dice* 3. These tortoises eat plants that we regard as poisonous for them like buttercups and even bulbs of spring plants which are a huge no-no. Happy landscaping !!! TGT on January 09, 2011: So you could start with an amount that you’re sure will be too much, see what gets eaten, and then know what to provide thereafter. This can be harmful, especially if kept up for many years. 2 medium onions, cut into medium dice. 6. Foods that are Poisonous/Toxic . Home | Membership |  Adoptions | Resources | Books and Publications |  Turtle Care |  Site Map  |  ©California Turtle & Tortoise Club. * Rhubarb - Even small amount causes the formation of calcium oxalate crystals which damage or destroy the kidneys. Despite their wider tolerance to different foods, the basic diet of Jungle tropical tortoises shouldn’t differ dramatically from subtropical species. Toxic plant ingestions. These plants contain irritating substances known as oxalate salts. In the USA tortoises aren’t usually distinguished from aquatic turtles by name, with all shelled reptiles commonly identified with the blanket moniker ‘turtle’.eval(ez_write_tag([[728,90],'tortoiseexpert_com-box-3','ezslot_14',105,'0','0'])); Whilst this is a harmless generalisation most of the time, when it comes to meeting the dietary requirements of tortoises this confusion in terminology has the potential to lead to tortoises being fed the wrong foods. Edible Plants as food for tortoises . and pain. Maianthemum racemosum; syn. The following list is a work-in-progress, based on CTTC's poison plant list as published in the Tortuga Gazette 28(1): 8-10, January 1992 with periodic updates as more data becomes available. Some tortoises have been observed eating some kinds of ivy with no apparent effects. On this blog I share my experiences of raising and caring for my tortoise and everything I've learned along the way to help other tortoise owners. I had never even thought to ask this since the oils are used in candles, room fresheners, etc. According to Dr. Mahaney, one of the main offenders in the ingredient list for most air fresheners are volatile organic compounds (VOC). Click trait name for all matches or numbers for narrower searches (e.g., het only). And of course let’s not forget the huge cost savings you can make by ‘growing your own’. )- mildly toxic, but unknown if they affect tortoises. Sulcata and Leopard tortoises are predominantly grazers, so much like sheep they spend their days chomping away on grass. irritation to severe organ damage, depending on the These foods should only be provided once or twice per week, as they don’t really add a lot that the ‘primary’ foods described above can’t. Some tropical species of tortoise, such as Red-foots, have adapted to have fruit as part of their diet, but fruit should be avoided for all Mediterranean and grazing species such as Sulcata and Leopard tortoises. t ə s. ɪ z /) are reptile species of the family Testudinidae of the order Testudines (from the Latin name for tortoise). They recognize four levels of toxicity, indicated by a number following the plant name, and the four levels are explained in the right column. Such foods include:eval(ez_write_tag([[580,400],'tortoiseexpert_com-mobile-leaderboard-2','ezslot_10',118,'0','0'])); Tortoises indigenous to these regions more or less occupy the halfway house between subtropical and jungle tortoises as far as their dietary requirements go. Calcium is an important ingredient in the ongoing growth and development of a healthy shell and skeleton. This list is intended to serve as a guide to identifying natural foods, as easy and painlessly as possible. The area I'm building will be 4' x 13'. Common Name: Botanical Name; Aconite ( monkhood, wolfsbane) Aconitum spp. A plant glycoside is a chemical compound that hydrolyses (is broken down by water) into sugar and one or more other substances. Dilute with fluids. Information is incomplete, but some data indicates that these plants may cause ill effects. As far as dining outdoors goes it’s generally far more beneficial because of the choice of natural plants you can grow and have on offer for the tortoise to graze on. None the less you shouldn’t go too crazy with feeding too much additional protein to your jungle tortoise. These plants germinate, grow, flower, set seed, and die in one growing season. Yes, tortoises are dangerous to human beings. Tortoises are often viewed as a lazy person’s pet, in much the same way that other reptiles or fish might are often perceived. eval(ez_write_tag([[300,250],'tortoiseexpert_com-narrow-sky-1','ezslot_13',126,'0','0'])); Another question with more possible answers than would probably be considered helpful! REPTILE SAFE PLANT LIST. Healthy fresh tortoise foods are in abundance everywhere - you just need to know what to look for. Arid Grassland/Dry Jungle Tropical Tortoise Species. The trouble is these aren’t as readily available as much of the other weeds and leafy greens tortoises often eat, but if you’re prepared to grow and cultivate them, you’ll have a great alternative food source to choose from.eval(ez_write_tag([[250,250],'tortoiseexpert_com-banner-1','ezslot_18',109,'0','0'])); Besides leafy green vegetables tortoises are pretty keen on other ‘lumpier’ veg such as peppers, cauliflower or broccoli, and even butternut squash. eval(ez_write_tag([[300,250],'tortoiseexpert_com-large-mobile-banner-2','ezslot_2',121,'0','0'])); There are specially prepared ‘dry’ tortoise foods available on the market which are a good way to add a bit of interest and variety to your tortoise diet. I won’t list every possible plant you could feed your tortoise, as there are many lists available elsewhere, but one of the most comprehensive of which can be found here. People get alarmed when things like dog food are provided as tortoise food, and rightly so. The lifespan of the tortoise is also depended on the habitat and the environment in which they live. This list is intended to serve as a guide to identifying natural foods, as easy and painlessly as possible. CARE & SUPPLIES (949) 492-6598. These range from the dreaded 'RNS' to viral hepatitis and stomatitis. teri on August 12, 2011: I did not see Rose of Sharon is it safe for Tortoises? Hypo 3. These plants contain irritating substances known as oxalate salts. eval(ez_write_tag([[250,250],'tortoiseexpert_com-large-mobile-banner-1','ezslot_0',125,'0','0'])); There are a number of different products/methods of supplying additional calcium to your tortoise beyond that found naturally in the foods they eat. This is not a complete list. Toxic Plants and Flowers. … Such species include: These species of tortoise are indigenous to semi arid grasslands that are populated with shrubs and weeds and succulents, which form the bulk of their diet in the wild. Desert tortoises in their native habitat feed on annual wild flowers, annual and perennial grasses, and the pads and buds of some cactus species. The idea is to simulate the type of foraging behaviour that tortoises engage in, for the simple reason that nature knows best, so if it ain’t broke don’t fix it!eval(ez_write_tag([[728,90],'tortoiseexpert_com-leader-3','ezslot_6',120,'0','0'])); The weeds, grasses and flowers found in the grass and scrub lands of natural tortoise habitats are always going to be the go to choice for nearly all species of tortoise, so you should exploit whichever of these you have on hand, and also look to plant and grow other varieties if you can. www.thetortoisetable.org.uk for a list of foods to feed all tortoises. Whitney (author) from Georgia on August 15, 2011: Rose of sharon is safe to feed tortoises. Safety of Some Common Houseplants . REPTILE SAFE. Tortoises absorb a small amount of water via their tail whilst in the bath, so bathe your tortoise daily, especially during the summer months. This includes oil of cinnamon, citrus, pennyroyal, peppermint, pine, sweet birch, tea tree (melaleuca), wintergreen, and ylang ylang. As I understand it tortoises can’t have too much pure calcium carbonate in their diet, so I tend to stick with just that, a supplement powder that contains nothing but calcium carbonate. There are many benefits to keeping your tortoise outdoors, not least because of the natural exposure to the sun’s ultraviolet light, fresh air (hopefully), and a lot more room to stretch their legs. LAVENDER (Lavandula officinalis) MARIGOLD (Calendula officinalis) MONKEY PLANT (Ruellia makoyana) MOTHER OF PEARL (Graptopetalum paraguayen) NATAL PLUM (Carissa grandiflora) PAINTED NETTLE (Coleus) PALMS (Areca sp.) eval(ez_write_tag([[300,250],'tortoiseexpert_com-large-billboard-2','ezslot_17',113,'0','0']));report this adTortoiseexpert.com is a participant in the Amazon EU Associates Programme/Amazon Services LLC Associates Programme, affiliate advertising programmes designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to Amazon.com & Amazon.co.uk, link to How to Take Care of a Tortoise at Home, Mediterranean Spur Thigh Tortoises (Greek Tortoises), Red Foot Tortoises and Yellow Foot Tortoises- native to the rainforests of South America, Burmese Brown Tortoise – native to the forests of South East Asia, African Spur Tortoises or Sulcata Tortoises- not to be confused with mediterranean spur thigh tortoises, this species is the third largest in the world and native to the dry grasslands of sub saharan Africa, Leopard Tortoise – A smaller tortoise also native to dry grasslands in Africa, Indian Star Tortoise – An endangered but beautiful species native to dry scrub and forest lands in central Asia. BERNARDO loves folk music hates shaving. If you are unable to identify specific plants, your local nursery may be able to identify them for you. I know eucalyptus oil and lavender are safe in a diffuser around babies. Just because a flower isn't listed here doesn't mean that torts can eat it. In general people seem to feed their tortoises between once and twice per day if they’re indoor dwelling, or don’t have much foliage to graze on outside. One of the common problems faced by tortoise keepers, is which plants are safe to feed to their tortoises. May contain a wide variety of substances which cause ill effects to various organs. If you do take plants to your nursery for identification, be sure to take a sufficient sample that represents the plant as a whole (for example, take leaves, stem, flowers). Anemone (windflower) Anemone spp. This is a list of a variety of different plants, both cultivated and wild, that tortoises and land turtles can eat. With a juvenile the idea is to make a consistent weight gain of two or three grams (about 0.1 oz) per month. Remember to use only plants and grasses from chemical free sources. I own a 3 year old Hermann's Tortoise called Terry. Print. eval(ez_write_tag([[580,400],'tortoiseexpert_com-leader-4','ezslot_8',119,'0','0'])); Indian Star Tortoises can be thought of much like jungle tortoises, in as much as that they need a little bit of extra protein in their diet, although not quite as much. The term "annual" designates those plants which complete their life cycle in one season. The following plants have been cross-referenced with various sources including the links at the bottom of this page. Initially, be sure to remove any remaining parts of the plant from the mouth. We don't really know all that much about how tortoise digestion works and what they can eat safely. Tortoise Edible Plants & Tortoise Edible Weeds that are safe for tortoises to eat including sulcata tortoise safe plants and more. Citrus fruits are a definite no no, and that goes for all tortoises. Succulents such as Opuntia or ‘Prickly Pear’ cacti are also fantastic if you are able to provide them – they are a source of excellent nutrition and hydration. The following list of plants is to be used as a guide for safely landscaping your pens and providing a better variety of weeds to feed. The excess sugars and citric acid is likely to cause stomach upset.eval(ez_write_tag([[728,90],'tortoiseexpert_com-netboard-2','ezslot_21',123,'0','0'])); In truth nothing that would be considered ‘food’ to mammals would be toxic to tortoises, but you just need to adopt best practice and apply common sense, when choosing appropriate foods. Desert tortoises are herbivores, meaning plant eaters, and when in captivity will munch their way through almost any greenery they encounter. For tortoise safe plants and flowers visit Edible Landscaping. High Orange 2. teri on August 12, 2011: I did not see Rose of Sharon is it safe for Tortoises? Seriously Dangerous to your Turtles, Tortoises, and Lizards: * Onions and Garlic Family - Can cause digestive upset in small quantities and serious illness if eaten in bulk. Marginated 1. Home » Reptiles & Amphibians » Edible Plants and Weeds for Tortoises & Land Turtles. As such, keeping them outdoors with plenty of verdant grass to graze on is the best policy you can adopt. These products are particularly useful for giving your tortoise a chance to eat a plant or weed that you haven’t had a chance to successfully grow yourself. Are Reed Diffusers Safe for Tortoises? Whitney (author) from Georgia on August 15, 2011: Rose of sharon is safe to feed tortoises. Whilst many of the plants and vegetables tortoises eat do contain calcium, it often isn’t in high enough quantities, or at least consistently high enough quantities to meet the tortoise’s needs. Many houseplants and common landscape plants are on the fatal list for these tortoises, however. Tortoises should not have Lilly of the Valley, do not feed them it! Exercise caution when choosing flowers; for example buttercups, daffodils and foxgloves for example are all commonly found in UK gardens, yet all are toxic to tortoises, having the potential to be fatal if consumed in high enough doses.eval(ez_write_tag([[468,60],'tortoiseexpert_com-mobile-leaderboard-1','ezslot_9',124,'0','0'])); Thankfully tortoises will steer clear of toxic plants if they come across them whilst foraging outdoors, but problems can occur if you feed them to an indoor dwelling tortoise that doesn’t have the choice to eat anything else. In fact it is one of the greens breeders mention on their what to feed list. Outdoor dwellers with a lush and verdant enclosure can be provided with a lot less additional feed depending on how much they have available to graze on. These plants can be toxic and should be considered with caution. African Violet—(Episcia reptans) non-toxic.. Aluminum Plant—(Pilea cadierei) non-toxic.. Amaryllis—contain alkaloid lycorine, bulb is most toxic; Crincum, Huemanthus, and Nerine genera of Amaryllis also contain alkaloids in bulbs.. Aralia—(Fatsia japonica) non-toxic.. Arrowhead Plant, Nephthytis—(Syngonium podophyllum) toxic-oxalates. Things get more critical when you’re choosing between plants that are a lot less familiar as ‘food’ and that may in fact be toxic. They are particularly distinguished from other turtles by being land-dwelling, while many (though not all) other turtle species are at least partly aquatic. Anemone (windflower) Anemone spp. Although there are some stories that one species of tortoise is able to swim, most can't and it is never wise to give your tortoise any access at all to a pond. Toxicity can range from mild However other greens such as kale, rocket, and baby leaf mixtures are all nutritious options, and different combinations of these should form part of the bulk of a tortoise’s diet.eval(ez_write_tag([[336,280],'tortoiseexpert_com-box-4','ezslot_1',108,'0','0'])); Besides the shop bought stuff, it’s good to throw in wild leaves (or what you might commonly think of as weeds), in particular dandelion flowers and leaves, clover, sow thistle and bramble leaves (nothing too prickly! Anthurium: Anthurium spp. Smilacena racemosa eval(ez_write_tag([[250,250],'tortoiseexpert_com-large-leaderboard-2','ezslot_3',110,'0','0'])); Unsurprisingly, fruit should be provided the most scarcely of all, and never citrus varieties. Common Name: Botanical Name; Aconite ( monkhood, wolfsbane) Aconitum spp. The Ingredients That Makes Air Fresheners Dangerous for Pets. Tortoises are one of the longest live animals, as some individual tortoises are known to live longer than 150 years. Vicks is run in humidifiers for them all the time. Tortoises often don’t appear to know which foods are good to eat and which are not, and there is some evidence of tortoises dying after eating plants such as Buttercups, Daffodils and Foxgloves, which are considered poisonous. Especially, for the children they will cause harm and diseases as from their body a solution named to be as Salmonella has been secreted which will be much harmful for the children. Call poison center for further recommendations. Dense forests provide a bountiful supply of everything from fruits to small rodents. I really love tortoises, but I like the idea of having an turtle that eats more animal matter and one that I KNOW will tolerate my local climate.