24-08-2011, 08:46 PM | #1 |
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diet essentials
Were looking at getting our first tort at the weekend. but im still a bit nervous about what to be feeding it!
Done our research and got a good list of what we could get for it. Any ideas of easy to get plants and greens to get for it and what some of yours have enjoyed?! also i know that they can eat clover flowers.. but can they eat the actual clovers aswel? HELP!! thanks. |
24-08-2011, 11:35 PM | #2 |
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Plantain, dandelion, sow thistle and more thistles.... lots more weeds... nettles.
sedum, red valerian, buddleia, pansy, petunia, nasturtium, hollyhock, viola, mimosas, red lettuce, clover, hawkbit, rose petal, cosmos, young strawberry leaves, welsh poppy, honeysuckle, aubrietia. google the tortoise table and download a booklet. Occasional pumpkin is alright aswell. |
25-08-2011, 12:49 AM | #3 |
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Weed identification and picking is a bit daunting at first but you will soon get your head around it, the main thing is give variety, don't just find 2 or 3 things it likes and stick with those, you want to give a broad range. Most of all enjoy your new tort, post some pics when you get it!!
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25-08-2011, 08:53 AM | #4 |
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Campanula is a big favourite, flowers and leaves. There are lots of varieties too and most flower all summer.
honeysuckle is safe for flowers only by the way, not leaves or berries |
25-08-2011, 08:59 AM | #5 |
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I give mine clover leaves in moderation.
I was scared at first what to give but it gradually comes second nature, a good time to start now actually as there is a lot around. I picked loads of different things and then sat for ages looking them up on this site- http://www.thetortoisetable.org.uk/s...ise_home_1.asp they have an excellent plant databace. Best of luck
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25-08-2011, 09:21 AM | #6 |
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bear in mind that although dandelions are easy to find they are a mild diuretic and as such shouldn't form the main part of the diet, you need to aim for at least 5 different plants a day and those should'nt be the same each day. Consider growing one of the mixes of seeds from the shelled shop, some of the mixes contain many different types of plants.
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