Opuntia herrfeldtii

[Merlin M]

I have just bought 2 Opuntia herrfeldii

Chosen as they are spineless and I was going to plant them in the tortoises table.

However while potting them up my hands cot covered in there wee hairs, now I am worried about planting these in the table, will they be ok for the tortoises as is or should I make sure all the hairs are gone first?

[Merlin M]

I think this thread is broken, been showing as there being reply all day but none actually showing when opening the thread...

[rocio]

The little hairs are glochids:uncomfortable if they get into your skin. Tortoises seem able to demolish them OK when eating them. Some people cut the clusters out with a potato eye knife. I don't bother and mine scarf the lot.

[Merlin M]

Thanks! well they will go right in the table then! I hoped it would be ok but thought I would check (thought if they stick in my skin they might catch on the way down! glad thats not so!!)

[rocio]

Opuntia does have a bowel loosening effect!! Try not to offer as food too often. I give it to mine twice a month.


www.cactusinspain.com

[Merlin M]

I did not know that! I knew Aloe did but not Opuntia... Will make sure they don't eat it too much! thanks!