Owning a pet horsefield tort could make you have some questions about what you can and cannot feed them.
It’s a common thing to see carrots being fed to tortoises by their owners, but does this mean you should too? Can Horsefield tortoises eat carrots? Let’s find out below
Can Horsefield Tortoise Eat Carrot?
Horsefield tortoises can eat carrots, but it should be in limited quantities in moderation. A little serving once a month is recommended.
That is because carrots contain high levels of carbohydrates that need to be controlled to prevent weight gain.
Similarly, carrots possess a compound known as oxalic acid that can cause issues with mineral absorption, mainly calcium that is very important for the health of tortoises and their shells.
So, carrots are best served once in a while, and more of a treat.
Note: Not every tortoise will enjoy eating carrots, so you may notice some ignoring it or others eating a small amount.
Offering them as a treat once per week in usually a good rule of thumb to follow.
ALSO SEE: Can Horsefield Tortoise eat Cabbage?
Can Horsefield Tortoise Eat Carrot Tops?
Yes, horsefield tortoise can eat carrot tops as part of a varied diet. You can simply grow your own fresh carrot tops inside, too, using the end of the carrot that you typically throw away. Stick it in water and it’ll sprout shoots quite fast.
As soon as you some fine roots come out of the carrot part, you can then pot them up.
Although carrot tops are fine, but you need a lot more variety. Here are some ideas:
- Mulberry leaves
- Grape vine leaves
- Rose leaves
- Geraniums
- Gazanias
- Lavatera
- Pansies
- Petunias
- Hibiscus leaves
- African hibiscus leaves
- Blue hibiscus leaves
- Rose of Sharon leaves
- Hostas
- Honeysuckle
- Cape honeysuckle
- Leaves and blooms from any squash plant, like pumpkin, cucumber, summer squash, etc…
- Young spineless opuntia cactus pads
ALSO SEE: Do Horsefield Tortoise eat Banana Fruit?
The following weeds listed below are safe for your Chameleon’s too:
- Dandelion
- Mallow
- Filaree
- Goat head weed
- Cats ear
- Wild mustard
- Wild Garlic
- Smooth Sow thistle
- Prickly Sow thistle
- Milk thistle
- Clovers
- Broadleaf plantain
- Narrow leaf plantain
- Chick weed
- Nettles
- Trefoil
- Wild onion
- Hawksbit
- Hensbit
- Hawksbeard
Can Horsefield Tortoise Eat Carrot Leaves?
Yes! Tortoise can eat all parts of the carrots including carrot leaves, root and tops.
I buy tort seed to grow plants from and in them I see carrots growing. Mine will eat all parts of the carrots with no ill effect to their health.