Prickly pear for my hatchlings

[wondur]

Just bought some prickly pear pads to feed my hatchling Leopards and was wondering the best way to serve it. Should I shred it, cut it into strips? The skin seems kind of tough and I'm not sure their little beaks are strong enough yet. They both are trying to go after it but don't seem to be able to dig into it too well.

 

[wellington]

Some will grate it for real young ones. Others will chop very finely. Either way. Just be sure to remove any stones first. I always hold mine over the stove flame for a few seconds to burn off the spines and little spiny hairs.

 

[Len B]

If you cut narrow strips and turn the strips where the cut ends are top and bottom, cut them in half long ways so that each piece has the soft inside exposed they will probably be able to eat it,sort of like eating it from the inside out.