Box Turtles

Maro2Bear

Well-Known Member
5 Year Member
Joined
May 29, 2014
Messages
14,712
Location (City and/or State)
Glenn Dale, Maryland, USA
Greetings. There is all kinds of info under the turtle section. But in general fig leaves arent too good because of the caustic sap. Sedum is good, but feed in moderation. Most things from bulbs are questionable. There are a ton of much better foods.

Hyacinth - Hyacinths are high in raphids which are needle sharp calcium oxalate crystals and are said to be the plant's natural defense against predation by causing irritation to the throat, mouth and tongue, including intense burning, vomiting and difficulty swallowing. In addition, the sap is said to cause dermatitis, so this plant must not be fed to tortoises.


More info - https://www.tortoiseforum.org/forums/american-box-turtles.98/
 

ZenHerper

Well-Known Member
Joined
Feb 27, 2020
Messages
2,078
Location (City and/or State)
New Jersey
Welcome! Turtles prefer edible broad leaf weeds like dandelion, viola/heartsease, pansy, and true clover (not oxalis), the flowers from those plants, and all sorts of berries and fruit. Steer clear of flowers from bulbs. A good basic rule: anything toxic to you will be wrong for them.

They are primarily carnivorous (meat-eating) and favor worms and insects. They should be fed a good balance of protein, fruit, and vegetation daily during their active months. Water is very important, and most species of BT enjoy a water feature deep enough to swim in (some don't and prefer a good, wide pan to soak in).

American Box Turtles from different parts of the country have some variations in lifestyle and diet, so if you post some photos of your turtle community members can be more helpful.
 

vickiratliff19

New Member
Joined
Jun 30, 2021
Messages
2
Location (City and/or State)
Sun City AZ
Greetings. There is all kinds of info under the turtle section. But in general fig leaves arent too good because of the caustic sap. Sedum is good, but feed in moderation. Most things from bulbs are questionable. There are a ton of much better foods.

Hyacinth - Hyacinths are high in raphids which are needle sharp calcium oxalate crystals and are said to be the plant's natural defense against predation by causing irritation to the throat, mouth and tongue, including intense burning, vomiting and difficulty swallowing. In addition, the sap is said to cause dermatitis, so this plant must not be fed to tortoises.


More info - https://www.tortoiseforum.org/forums/american-box-turtles.98/
Thank you. The Indian Fig Opuntia is part of the Prickly Pear cactus family, without the needles. Are Prickly Pear cactus ok, minus the needles?
 
Top