Replacement for lettuce

[erica anne]

Every now and then I feed Franklin romaine lettuce as a treat. But to day I gave him the inside of a prickly pear and he LOVED it. Just realized that it would be a great replacement for lettuce because it is so much better for him! What do you think? I would still give him some lettuce because we all deserve a treat every now and then, right?

 

[wellington]

Romaine is not that bad to give as long as it is part of a varied diet. What else do you feed?

 

[mainey34]

No it would not be a good replacement for romaine. Right. Now you could be feeding spring mix, collard greens, turnip greens, aruglia, mustard greens.....etc.

 

[erica anne]

Grass
Dandelion
Carrot tops
And (obviously) prickly pear<-- it's just been a while since I have picked it
He also get little grass pellets like once a month because he really likes him and I want him to be able to have little treats

 

[wellington]

You need to feed more variety. Like the things mainey34 listed. Does he go outside to graze and eat grass or are you growing it inside? If he's grazing a lot out side then the grocery store stuff is not needed, but more stuff grown outside should be added. If he is inside, then a lot more variety is needed.

 

[erica anne]

He goes outside everyday for about 3-4 hours. I don't know the names of every weed out there but he sure does like them.

 

[mainey34]

Does he eat grasses? I would recommend only feeding prickly pear once a month also. There is a lot of calcium content in it....
http://nutritiondata.self.com/facts/fruits-and-fruit-juices/2039/2

 

[wellington]

He goes outside everyday for about 3-4 hours. I don't know the names of every weed out there but he sure does like them.

Then that's the best food for him is natural grazing. A piece of romaine or prickly pear once a month or so as a treat is fine. You could also add some Mazuri about once a week, just a little each time.

 

[mainey34]

I see that there is another thread about prickly pear, Tom states. Every 2-3 weeks. Personally, i think thats too much calcium. But i guess that would be good too..

 

[erica anne]

Thankyou so much guys