Does anyone do this, I have heard that some Opuntia sp. are enjoyed by tortoises (any spines removed obviously).

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Do not walk behind me, for I may not lead.
Do not walk ahead of me, for I may not follow.
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My torts really enjoy some opuntia cacti pads now and again- I understand they are high in fibre which makes them good for tortoises, however if fed too much, they can cause runny stools.

I always burn the spines and then scrub the pad with a scourer (like the metal ones used on dishes) and then rinsed under a tap, to remove any hidden spines.

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Josh
www.tortoise-world.com

You can get some great catus's from Ikea.
I have heard it is very hard to grow your own.

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If kept in a large pot with sand soil mix they grow really well. I am forever cutting mine back and feeding to the torts. Currently mine is nearly three feet high You need to be careful where you keep them though as the tiny spines (glochids) are a devil to remove if you happen to bend down and accidentaly touch one

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Take care
Sue

wizzasmum@aol.com

Can you use any type of cacti or just certain ones? I have a few (from Ikea lol) and one of them has very soft spines so would be great to use if I can. How often do you feed these?

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Best not use cacti that have not been checked out for toxins Tina. You can always ask here TortoiseNutrition : Tortoise Nutrition Annie is well known in the world of aniamls regarding nutrition and Martin, her moderator is a mine of information on such matters. I feed opuntia cactus (prickly pear). It does come in many forms, but the typical round flat pads are the ones I use. They are high in calcium, but only feed occasionaly as a treat as they do (as Josh mentioned) cause quite runny stools if given daily. After removing the spines I slice them very thinly with scissors and put onto a slate for the torts to eat. Mine love them.
Good luck

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Take care
Sue

wizzasmum@aol.com

Thanks Sue, that's one of the groups I haven't joined yet so have just sent a request to join.

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It's a great gropup Tina and one of the specialist groups that actually stays on topic, rather than just deviating to yet another general discussion group (only so many you can handle) LOL
Martin is also on Tortsmad group to answer any nutrition related questions. You can count on his replies knowing you are not taking a gamble with your torts life

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Take care
Sue

wizzasmum@aol.com

LMAO, I had a flash back of dropping my torts off at your house, when you got the glochid stuck in your bum! that was bloody hilarious! Me and my sister still laugh at that!

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Josh
www.tortoise-world.com