Introducing Opuntia Cactus

[TortoiseLuv0131]

Hi!
I have been feeding my Russian tort ZooMed Grassland Tortoise Diet with some fresh greens for about a year, and just bought several leaves of Opuntia Cactus to add to her diet for the first time. They are quite thin and small (not what I was expecting), so I'm not going to plant them, just feed them. My questions are:
1) Should I introduce this gradually?
2) How much should I feed per day once it's a normal part of her diet?
Thanks!
-TortoiseLuv0131

 

[Spn785]

I would introduce a little at a time, but just so you know, your Russian might not eat it. I haven't been able to get mine to touch it. Opuntia cactus I would feed two or three times a week.

 

[TortoiseLuv0131]

Thanks Spn785,
I gave her 3 very small chunks today and she LOVED them - gobbled them all up even before her greens, which she usually eats first. All sticky around the mouth, sweet tort *tort kisses* I'm going to go ahead and try planting them even though they're kinda thin - will let you know how it turns out.

 

[Spn785]

Thanks Spn785,
I gave her 3 very small chunks today and she LOVED them - gobbled them all up even before her greens, which she usually eats first. All sticky around the mouth, sweet tort *tort kisses* I'm going to go ahead and try planting them even though they're kinda thin - will let you know how it turns out.

Awesome! My tort just moves them out of the way and eats everything else.

 

[KimC90]

Where did you get the cactus pads? Ive veen looking for a good source

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[theelectraco]

Where did you get the cactus pads? Ive veen looking for a good source

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I just buy mine at the grocery store. They're super cheap and I don't have to worry about trying to get them to grow.


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[Cyprus Lady]

Are you talking about the pads from a prickly pear? Mine likes them! The flowers too!

 

[Tyrtle]

Our Russian likes them too. I buy them from Carolina Pet Supply on line.

 

[jeffstort]

I might just buy some for my russian to see if he likes them

 

[blueturtle]

anyone know if the ones at the supermarket will grow if planted?

 

[wellington]

anyone know if the ones at the supermarket will grow if planted?

Yes they should.

 

[wiccan_chicken]

Where are you guys finding them. I don't think our groceries stores carry them XD I kinda hope I find them magically one day.

 

[theelectraco]

My grocery store carries them near all the weird peppers and squashes against a wall.


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[Cyprus Lady]

Can you receive them through the post do you think? Would customs allow it? We have a PLENTIFUL supply in Cyprus. Perhaps I should start a business!!

 

[JoesMum]

Re: RE: Introducing Opuntia Cactus

Can you receive them through the post do you think? Would customs allow it? We have a PLENTIFUL supply in Cyprus. Perhaps I should start a business!!

The problem is the import rules. Most countries ban plants being brought into their country to help control disease.

 

[Cyprus Lady]

Yeah that's what I thought which is why I asked in USA if they would allow it! Joes Mum, I often travel to and fro UK. I could easily put pads in my suitcase and post them if you'd like

 

[JoesMum]

Re: RE: Introducing Opuntia Cactus

Yeah that's what I thought which is why I asked in USA if they would allow it! Joes Mum, I often travel to and fro UK. I could easily put pads in my suitcase and post them if you'd like

I actually have some growing in my conservatory Because the UK is a separate land mass to the rest of mainland Europe, our customs people don't officially let you bring plants over here either. We have quite a problem with tree disease over here from foreign imports at the moment and the customs people are probably being extra vigilent.

Thanks for the thought though

 

[Cowboy_Ken]

Here on the west coast of the states they are considered an, “ethnic" food item. Perhaps if packed with pastries, customs would only say no, and discard them? Worth a shot anyway.

 

[Jlant85]

Let me get this strait... you can replant them even w/ out the roots?

 

[JoesMum]

Re: RE: Introducing Opuntia Cactus

Let me get this strait... you can replant them even w/ out the roots?

Yes, just stick the bottom end of a pad in the ground and it will grow