Can tortoise eat rosemary?
Feeding large quantities of Rosemary is not recommended. However this plant is fine for planting in the enclosure to be used as a shelter plant as most tortoises do not relish it and most will ignore it. If the Rosemary plant is just nibbled on from time to time no harm will be done.
Herbs aren't only safe for tortoises but also rich in nutrients. However, some tortoises will avoid feeding on herbs with a strong scent. Growing herbs in your tortoise's enclosure ensure your pet has something to nibble on during the day.
Opt for grass and weeds that are high in fibre such as parsley, dandelion leaves, or collard greens from the supermarket. You can even add in some alfalfa for added fibre, too. Although not as readily available, you can also give your tortoise some cacti which is a great source of hydration.
Mint (Garden Mint, Spearmint, Apple Mint)
These are fine to plant in the tortoise enclosure and will do no harm if nibbled, although some tortoises will be put off by the strong aroma.
Commonly grown culinary herbs often have edible flowers. Fennel (Foeniculum), thyme (Thymus), rosemary (Rosmarinus), sage (Salvia), basil (Ocimum basilicum) and arugula all bear edible blossoms.
...
| Common Name | Botanical Name | Toxicity |
|---|---|---|
| Amaryllis | Amaryllis belladonna | 2 |
| Asparagus Fern | Asparagus sprengerii | 2, 3 |
| Arrowhead Vine | Syngonium podophyllum | 1 |
| Avocado (leaves, seeds) | Persea americana | 2 |
Rose petals, lavatera, and calendula are all fine (leaves and flowers are OK -- although they might not eat rose leaves or calendula leaves -- you'll have to see). Other flowers (and leaves) you can give that are common in the garden are campanula, dandelion, abutilon hibiscus, pansies, and hardy geraniums.
Although this plant is said to be toxic to cats, dogs and some other mammals, the Aloe is fine to feed to tortoises in moderation but if too much is fed it can have a slight laxative effect. Aloe Vera gel can be rubbed on minor skin wounds to aid healing.
Is Basil Good For Tortoises? Even though it's recommended to give just a little at a time, basil is good for a tortoise's health. Not only is it super-low in sugar, which is one sign that a treat is going to be good for your tortoise, it's also brimming with antioxidants that can help support your tortoise.
Healthy tortoises do eat every day but can easily skip a meal or two. On the colder months they do not necessarily eat every day. When tortoises hibernate, they do not eat for weeks as their metabolism slows down significantly.
What do tortoises drink?
Tortoises stay hydrated via food, soaking in water, the digestive process, and through the skin. However, tortoises still need to drink fresh, unchlorinated water. Tortoises should be given water that's free from chlorine, additives, flavorings, sweeteners, and contaminants.
How much and how often should I feed my tortoise? As a general rule, you should offer an amount of food equivalent to the size of your tortoise's shell. They should be fed once a day, 5 days a week. The 2 starve days can be implemented at any time, in any order.
Tortoises shouldn't eat flowers like poinsettias, gardenias, holly, hyacinth, and hydrangeas. Off-limits vegetables include eggplant, broccoli, chili pepper, alliums, wild mushrooms, and unripe tomatoes. Citrus fruit, avocado, and gooseberry are bad for tortoises.
Basil can be fed in moderation, but because of its strong aroma and taste, your tortoise might not find it appetising.
Rose petals, lavatera, and calendula are all fine (leaves and flowers are OK -- although they might not eat rose leaves or calendula leaves -- you'll have to see). Other flowers (and leaves) you can give that are common in the garden are campanula, dandelion, abutilon hibiscus, pansies, and hardy geraniums.
A Hermann's tortoise's diet consists of vegetation. Good foods include dandelion, clover, honeysuckle, leafy salads, watercress, curly kale, brussel tops, spring greens, coriander, parsley, rocket, carrot, parsnip, courgette and bell peppers.
