Winter

[boothy]

Hi Folks

With winter fast approaching, if not here all ready, what plants, weeds etc do you feed your torts on?

Stephen

[yuna1971]

Depends on whether you intend to hibernate or over winter, Stephen.

Different weeds are available in different areas, some more than others. So its hard to say what you will find, within your area.
I can tell you the sort of things I found. As usual - dandilion was still growing, I found dead nettle, a little jack by the hedge, a small amount of ribwort plantain (barely), and to mix with this I used winter pansys and other edible winter plants. Now and again, found bristly ox tongue.
I also mixed in a bit of rommaine, grated butternut squash, or a little pak choi and dried friendly grass.
It really depends on the area you live in and just what you can find. Where as - I could find Jack by the hedge, you may find that there isnt this growing near where you live. Some people grow weeds indoors and prepare for winter this way. Also growing flowers and edible plants. It depends whether you have the space and know how to do this...for instance my indoor weed growing is rubbish - or was last year but might try again. Others do this very well.
I have also bought grass pellets, going to try these this year to see if I can coach Lily with these when winter comes - to provide him some fibre.
Pellets can also be used successfully during cold months, when weeds are scarce. xx See what other good advice is offered. Its not as daunting once you have a sort of basic plan... xxx

[NATURALIS]

Originally Posted by boothy

Hi Folks

With winter fast approaching, if not here all ready, what plants, weeds etc do you feed your torts on?

Stephen

if i have any that are kept awake through the winter i add dried weeds that i collect in the summer, i pull them up by the roots then hang them to dry , somewhere that the rain isn't going to get them like a greenhouse, i have like washing lines going back and too across, i hang them on this in row's , after 3/4 days there usually dry,i then store them in a box somewhere dry,during the winter there then added to what ever else is around for added fibre , hermanni hermanni for some reason seem to prefer dry weeds.

[sarah]

Shelled Warriors now has a hueg range of dried weeds/flowers ready to feed. These are to be used sparingly. I sprinkle them on supermarket food in the height of the winter.
However during winter i still manage to find weeds such and dandelions, dead nettle and chickweed. I also grow my own weeds from seeds in my windowsill

[SeeShell]

I feed as people suggest above. Shops are now bringing in winter pansies. I bought lots and planted last weekend along with winter flowering violas. The other thing I grow is opuntia cacti indoors and they're great for a bit of variation over the winter. I too think it's a good idea to sprinkle dried weeds sparingly on top of winter feed - just for added fibre.
SS

[NATURALIS]

the good thing is by collecting weeds and drying them your self you know there fresh and above all there free !!!

[Alan1]

Originally Posted by red foot marg

the good thing is by collecting weeds and drying them your self you know there fresh and above all there free !!!

free is my favourite price

[boothy]

Thanks for all the advice. This has given me a lot to think about and to plan for.
Stephen

[TortBabe]

There is also a fab article on winter feeding on the tortoise trust website

[boothy]

Thanks, I will give that a look.