Various herbivores love the taste of green veggies, but not all green vegetables are safe or good for all herb-eating animals. Below I share findings of my research on whether your horsefield tortoises can be fed cabbages or not.
Can Horsefield tortoises eat Cabbage? Vegetables from the cabbage family SHOULD ONLY be fed SPRAINGLY as it can prevent the absorption of calcium. You can feed it in moderation as part of a mixed diet safely. Although I have never fed them to my shell babies.
Note: Avoid feeding fruits to your tortoise as this can upset the gut flora.
Naturally, most med tortoises eat a diet of flowers and weeds.
ALSO SEE: Can Horsefield Tortoise eat Banana?
Can Horsefield Tortoise Eat Cabbage?
Cabbage can be fed once in a while. I recommend feeding once in a month. It belongs to the brassica family and brassicas can trigger goiter in tortoise if fed too often.
So, can you feed tortoise cabbages? Yes, you can but not part of a daily diet. My friend has had hers for a year and has fed cabbage 3-4 times. Not saying its what you should do.
READ ALSO: Do Horsefield Tortoise eat Pumpkin Skin, Flesh and Seeds?
Food Alternatives to Cabbage
Here is a list of more “safer” foods for your horse field tortoise:
- brussel sprouts, cress,
- chickweed,
- grated carrot,
- peas,
- wild dandelions,
- squash,
- corn,
- broccoli,
- bindweed,
- clover,
- runner beans,
- mangetout,
- lambs
- lettuce,
- rose petals,
- cauliflower and cucumber.
You should only feed Soft fruits very sparingly as they frequently lead to colic and diarrhea.
