Shrubs/Bushes for Hermans

[chris_greg]

I have hebe in my enclosure and wondered if heather was okay to put in there. Also what other type of shrub and bushes could i put in my enclosure? Any help much appreciated

[*hungry-tortoise*]

Hi there,

I think Ive read somewhere that heather is a no, no, may be wrong somebody please feel free to correct me - lavenders are perfect for in outdoor enclosures they grow quickly (perfect for cover) and will last for many seasons. Also lavateras, again really quick growing the flowers are edible and the tortoises love them, honeysuckles again are another where the flowers can be fed, I like to use herbs as well such as melissa (lemon balm) and mint - these grow rapidly but because theyre strong smelling/tasting they are rarely touched by the tortoises but arent poisonous either.

[chris_greg]

Originally Posted by *hungry-tortoise*

Hi there,

I think Ive read somewhere that heather is a no, no, may be wrong somebody please feel free to correct me - lavenders are perfect for in outdoor enclosures they grow quickly (perfect for cover) and will last for many seasons. Also lavateras, again really quick growing the flowers are edible and the tortoises love them, honeysuckles again are another where the flowers can be fed, I like to use herbs as well such as melissa (lemon balm) and mint - these grow rapidly but because theyre strong smelling/tasting they are rarely touched by the tortoises but arent poisonous either.

Thanks for that. I thought i had seen a old post a while ago where someone said they had heather in their enclosure, but i might be wrong, my memory is quite crap

[chris_greg]

anyone else able to help me?

[annsimpson1]

its not on my poisonous plants list but apart from that I don't know, I do know it won't grow just anywhere but would make nice cover for them, I have a couple of the ornamental grasses in mine and the torts love to get underneath the overhanging bits, as to whether the torts eat whats in there or not I think depends on how much grazing they have mine have masses and rarely touch the pansies or other plants.

[*hungry-tortoise*]

Ive just been looking into this for you, on a document written by the BCG it states that 'Hermann’s tortoises occur in a great variety of habitats in the Plaine des Maures: grasslands; heather and rock rose scrubland; pine forests and sparse cork oak forest. In the outlying areas where vineyards prevail, the interstitial woodland, hedges and fallow are very suitable to the tortoise.' So maybe heather is ok, after all. Am going to be having a stay at home day today so will seee if I can find out any other info for you xx

[annsimpson1]

I'd buy the older style heather not the fancy different coloured ones or if your near somewhere it grows naturaly maybe you could be naughty and take a bit or ask someone for a cutting, its probably a lot hardier than the decorative ones.

[karibum]

Heather is fine to use, I've had it in my indoor enclosure. They never attempted to eat it and enjoyed shading under it and climbing over it! It's very hardy and grows well!

There are loads of varieties of hebes, so you could make it interesting using hebes alone!

[chris_greg]

Originally Posted by *hungry-tortoise*

Ive just been looking into this for you, on a document written by the BCG it states that 'Hermann’s tortoises occur in a great variety of habitats in the Plaine des Maures: grasslands; heather and rock rose scrubland; pine forests and sparse cork oak forest. In the outlying areas where vineyards prevail, the interstitial woodland, hedges and fallow are very suitable to the tortoise.' So maybe heather is ok, after all. Am going to be having a stay at home day today so will seee if I can find out any other info for you xx

Thank you for the help, i really appreciate it!!

[chris_greg]

Originally Posted by annsimpson1

I'd buy the older style heather not the fancy different coloured ones or if your near somewhere it grows naturaly maybe you could be naughty and take a bit or ask someone for a cutting, its probably a lot hardier than the decorative ones.

I had never thought of that. my mum lives near the moors so i will get her to nab some for me.