NEtorts said:I got a 2lb bag from a meber here on TFO....tried it a couple times, torts seem to like it alright but they always went for the greens and veggies first.....it kinda smells a bit.......also noticed it spoiled quickly after weting it......the torts knda walked through it and thats not to sanitary...
Yeah, it can be messy. That is a drawback. I feed it to mine in the morning and then pull the trays and soak the torts after feeding on those days. Most days I soak first and then feed. After about 6 hours in the heat and humidity, I too noticed a funny smell from it, but now I just feed as much as I think they will eat and then pull the trays after a few hours. My roach colonies sure like any leftovers and they don't care how long it sits.
Ole, I hear where you are coming from, and everything you said makes logical sense. I primarily use weeds and grasses too. I supplement with all sorts of other good stuff too, like mulberry, hibiscus, grape and rose of sharon leaves, spineless cactus, and several succulents.
Like you, this issue was very black and white for me. But I couldn't argue with the results I was seeing in other people's torts. I tried it myself, somewhat reluctantly, and now I can't argue with the positive results I see in my own herds.
I raised lots of healthy torts before I ever used Mazuri, so I completely agree with you that Mazuri is NOT necessary. I don't think its a complete diet or substitute for real weeds and greens either. I merely look at it as a means of giving my torts a "multi-vitamin". Like I said before. Cheap insurance.
Now I don't want to derail NETorts thread, but I'd love to see pics of YOUR torts and set ups. I'd really love to see how you do it in Denmark.