New Tortoise Carer

[Andrea Nicole]

Awesome!
I really want to take the tortoises outside, but our yard has fertilizer. Do you guys have any suggestions? Since their enclosure is pretty light should I just take the whole thing outside?

 

[Sara G.]

You definitely could just take the whole enclosure outside.
Just make sure they don't overheat in it and have plenty of shade.
Although I would suggest setting up a portion of your yard, for the future, where your torts can go to be free from chemicals.
Although as long as there aren't any fertilizer beads down, and your torts aren't going to eat the grass, and it's been a significant amount of time since the yard was fertilized, you might be able to get away with it.

 

[Andrea Nicole]

Can redfoots eat spinach? I read something about it binding calcium and causing kidney stones or something similar.
Also, is there a subject or link that gives a list of foods you can and can not feed your tortoise friends? Thank you

 

[Sara G.]

I think spinach used to be a massive no-no but as a small part of a varied diet it should be fine.
Tom has created a list of foods that are perfect for torts, I'll see if I can find it for you.

 

[Sara G.]

Mulberry leaves
Grape vine leaves
Hibiscus leaves
African hibiscus leaves
Blue hibiscus leaves
Rose of Sharon leaves
Rose leaves
Geraniums
Gazanias
Lavatera
Pansies
Petunias
Hostas
Honeysuckle
Cape honeysuckle
Leaves and blooms from any squash plant, like pumpkin, cucumber, summer squash, etc...
Young spineless opuntia cactus pads

Weeds:
There are soooooooo many...
Dandelion
Mallow
Filaree
Smooth Sow thistle
Prickly Sow thistle
Milk thistle
Goat head weed
Cats ear
Nettles
Trefoil
Wild onion
Wild mustard
Wild Garlic
Clovers
Broadleaf plantain
Narrow leaf plantain
Chick weed
Hawksbit
Hensbit
Hawksbeard

 

[Sara G.]

Also check out
The tortoise table's website.
There you can search almost any plant and it will tell you if it's safe or not.

 

[Paul M Jones]

Hi and welcome. Cute torts

 

[JoesMum]

Also check out
The tortoise table's website.
There you can search almost any plant and it will tell you if it's safe or not.

Link to the database
http://thetortoisetable.org.uk/site/plant_database_14.asp