Bird seeds are foods given to bird-pets and include seeds, nuts, either fed to birds as mixes, or a single type of diet.
An example of a bird seed diet is a mix of millet, corn grains, sunflower seeds, pumpkin seeds, wheat, and nuts.
The nutritional constituent in bird seeds are quite low in calories, proteins, and calcium but contain relatively high iron, fiber, and phosphorus.
Can horsefield tortoises eat bird seed once in a while- how safe is this?
As stated above the low calories of proteins and carbohydrates make birdseed a good choice for horsefield tortoises as obesity and scute pyramiding caused by high calories and proteins respectively will be avoided. But this will have been possible if a horsefield tortoise digestive system is adapted to digest grains.
When eaten, it goes in and comes out in the poo without any significant nutrient absorption. More so, the grains eaten can upset the intestines of horsefield tortoises.
Therefore, we strongly recommend NOT to feed your horsefield tortoise with grains or bird seed at any point in time.
Can Horsefield Tortoises Eat Bird Seed?
No, horsefield tortoises can not eat bird seed, and should not be allowed to eat them when they play In the park, field, or garden.
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It is advisable to leave the bird seed for birds and strictly stick to the plant vegetation (leafy green plants) for horsefield tortoises.
As we started not to feed bird seed to horsefield tortoises, we give you this tip instead, plant the bird seeds e.g sunflower and let your horsefield tortoises feed on the leaves or vegetative parts.
Other Recommended Diets For Horsefield Tortoises
We recommend the following diets/ veggies for horsefield tortoises: carrot, parsnip, dandelion, rocket, clover, spring greens, coriander, honeysuckle, leafy salads, watercress, curly kale, brussel tops, parsley, courgette and, bell peppers.