Are tortoises not susceptible to getting parasites from eating plants that grow wild in the yard? When we got our Bearded Dragon, this was a huge deal on the discussion forums and so we've never fed him anything we didn't grow ourselves in a controlled environment. Maybe beardies are just more sensitive to parasites? Maybe tortoise are not? What's the deal?
Concerns about Parasites from "Wild" Plants?
- Thread starter TisMary
- Start date
I do not know of any parasite that would have an indirect life cycle that would include plants. Snails, worms, detrivores, yes. Plants no. Contamination from an infected source would be the only way a plant would be of concern to me, just as any other possibly injested source that could be contaminated.
ArmadilloPup
Well-Known Member
Reptiles are walking pinworm biomes, and tortoises are no exception. Beardies are an indoor pet and have a short lifespan, so maybe people stress more over keeping them "clean."
Edit: Also, a lot of beardies with serious parasites probably got them from being fed insects, not from going outdoors.
Edit: Also, a lot of beardies with serious parasites probably got them from being fed insects, not from going outdoors.
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A tortoise grazing outside might accidently pick up bird poop that is parasite ridden, but if you wash any plants you bring in, there shouldn't be any worry.
Agree with the above. The risk of parasites comes from poop or slime trails that are deposited on plants. The plants themselves are innocent.
Rinse everything you feed thoroughly under the tap and it will be fine... and that includes supermarket greens.
Incidentally, our tort lived outdoors free range and ate our garden for 47 years and never once picked up gut parasites.
Rinse everything you feed thoroughly under the tap and it will be fine... and that includes supermarket greens.
Incidentally, our tort lived outdoors free range and ate our garden for 47 years and never once picked up gut parasites.
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