Pre Alpin Testudo

[EJ]

I've said it many years ago during similar discussions.

Originally Posted by Kirkie

Ed will have something to say on the grain content of formulated diets, no doubt.

[Kirkie]

Difference being they're ground up seeds, exposing the core. A lot of these wild seeds appear to pass through intact.

Shall we start up seed dispersal by redfoot tortoises again , thats always a good thread extender?

[EJ]

Once again I fail to see your point and how it relates to the OPs question.

Interesting line of thought which seems to have nothing to do with the original question.

Also... (I'll bite)... the outer seed cover is probably broken on a good number of seeds as the tortoise harvests the seeds... those do get digested. So nature kind of regulates intake... but I still don't see your point.

Originally Posted by Kirkie

Difference being they're ground up seeds, exposing the core. A lot of these wild seeds appear to pass through intact.

Shall we start up seed dispersal by redfoot tortoises again , thats always a good thread extender?

[Kirkie]

What was the question again? Do they eat seeds, can we feed seeds, are seeds beneficial?

Yes, yes & maybe( but bear in mind that any seed that advertises itself as palatable does so for a reason. Its intention is to traverse the eaters digestive system intact, the gut often initiating the germination process by removing an outer layer but dispersal away from the parent plant is the goal.)

I feed pumpkin and sunflower seeds to my kinosternum baurii cause I can't get hold of palmetto seeds which make up a chunk of their diet.

Seeds are rich in proteins and amino acids, building blocks as it were.