Are all varieties of Opuntia cactus OK for tortoises?

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Michael Bird

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Are all varieties of Opuntia cactus OK for tortoises, or just certain types? I'd like to obtain some cactus that I can plant and grow here in northern Utah where we have very cold winters and very hot summers from (-20 to +110 Fahrenheit).

The state government has a site with a listing of drought tolerant plants that will grow in the area (http://www.waterwiseplants.utah.gov/ ), and one that they recommend is Beavertail Cactus (Opuntia basilaris) which looks a lot like the pictures of Prickly Pear that I have seen on this site although with yellow flowers instead of red, and as a bonus it is also spineless. However, since it's not the same variety that other people have mentioned for tortoise food, I'd like to make sure it is safe before I buy some for Gracie my Jordanian Greek.
 

Tom

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I have fed several varieties to my tortoises and never had a problem. I also feed them organ pipe cactus once or twice a month.
 

elegans

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All opuntia's are OK for tortoises. Some have spines, others do not. But no worries, as they eat the ones in the wild with spines. We just make their lives better by saving them that trouble. I grow two types of "spineless" Opuntia that the tortoises love. I will try to post picts in the next couple of weeks. Best wishes as always Douglas
 

Michael Bird

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Thanks for the information! I know that they can eat around the spines. It's just easier for us and them to not have them in the way. I'll grab a Beavertail Cactus from the local garden shop and see if Gracie likes it. :)
 

Tom

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Michael Bird said:
Thanks for the information! I know that they can eat around the spines. It's just easier for us and them to not have them in the way. I'll grab a Beavertail Cactus from the local garden shop and see if Gracie likes it. :)

They are all full of chemicals and pesticides when they come from the nursery. Rinse it heavily, plant it, and only feed out the new growth after a couple of months.
 

elegans

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I would not feed out any "Nursery" plants for at least 90 days as many use granular systemic pesticides that last right around 90 days. "Trust Me" I have been in the horticultural industry since 1983. Douglas
 

geekinpink

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i tried it again, but this time i cut it out in small pieces, she loves them now lol

I've just planted a lot, since she seems to enjoy it now...but my dog decided to pull everything out of the pot :( so glad this plant does grow easy.
 
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