Do they know what they can eat?

[CherryBrandy]

I wonder what the exact scientific differences are in the nutritional qualities are of say a dandelion leaf as opposed to a plantain leaf and so forth, or is that for another time..... CB

[Ozric Jonathan]

Originally Posted by CherryBrandy

I wonder what the exact scientific differences are in the nutritional qualities are of say a dandelion leaf as opposed to a plantain leaf and so forth, or is that for another time..... CB

That is one we do know a bit about. An important factor is the ration of phospherous to calcium and plantain has a really great score for that but dandellion doesn't. This has an effect on the absorption of calcium, so while dandellion has a lot of calcium in it, very little of it gets absorbed. The calcium in dandellions is 'bound' to other compounds and leaves the system without being absorbed by the tortoise. With plantain you get good absorption.

[CherryBrandy]

Originally Posted by Ozric Jonathan

That is one we do know a bit about. An important factor is the ration of phospherous to calcium and plantain has a really great score for that but dandellion doesn't. This has an effect on the absorption of calcium, so while dandellion has a lot of calcium in it, very little of it gets absorbed. The calcium in dandellions is 'bound' to other compounds and leaves the system without being absorbed by the tortoise. With plantain you get good absorption.

yes it is marvellous though isn't it because I know I have a couple of girlie horsfield torts who won't eat anything but dandelions despite the massive varied diet of picked and grown weeds presented to them and they have super lovely shells and hopefully all things a tortoise should be. Another couple of mine will speed towards me if I have a tomato and almost snatch it but won't do the 'nutty speed dance' If I am carrying a dandelion leaf. suggest they know what they like, but maybe like humans not necessary whats good for them ...all in moderation. CB

[timeout0000]

I saw a post on youtube with a dude feeding tortoises tiny pancakes, they were sporting pretty dodgy looking shells, after that i concluded probably not

[Jan W]

I am really enjoying reading all this!

Bertie and Beatrice have very different tastes. Bertie would eat all flowers if he could, but is partial to dandelion leaves. I have to hand feed him to tempt him with the 'greens' sometimes. Beatrice loves variety and will turn her nose up if she has too much of one thing. I grow my own cucumber but neither of them are interested. I find it fascinating to observe their tastes.

I plan to try some drying of weeds as they are all growing well in this warm weather.
Jan

[CherryBrandy]

Rule of thumb - if they couldn't find it in the wild it usually ain't no good ! I don't know any tortoise that can make pancakes either...not even the pancake ones !!