You may be wondering, can I feed horsefield tortoises with basil herbs?
Let’s read on and find out.
Basil includes sweet basil and bush basil, Thai basil, and many other varieties. Being from a mint family, it has a strong taste and flavors and provides many health benefits.
Rich in calcium, basils provide the mineral needed for the formation of shells. Asides from calcium, basils contain manganese and irons. They also have in them Vitamin A, C, and K.
Can horsefield tortoises eat basil?
Herbs are not dangerous but you must be aware that most, if not all herbs are high in oxalic acids.
Because of this, it is recommended that you feed your horsefield tortoises basil in small quantities. Once in every three to fours weeks will be better.
Remember that oxalic acids are known to hinder calcium intake needed for the formation of a horsefield shell.
When there is a high oxalic acid in the diet, shell formation is retarded and the shells become weak.
Can Horsefield Tortoises Eat Basil?
You can feed horsefield tortoise with basils although basils are very strong smelling with strong taste as well and maybe repelling to them.
ALSO READ: Can Horsefield Tortoises Eat Boiled Eggs?
The reasons for both the high oxalic acids and strong aromas make basils to be fed in moderation when giving them to horsefield tortoises.
Some other options in place of basils
Some other plant herbs that could be used are dandelion leaves, and flowers, hawkweeds, mallow, sow-thistle, chickweed catsear, hibiscus Flowers, nasturtiums, pansies, and violas. These plants are known to be high in calcium.