Desert tortoises need a diet that can come right out of your pots using some of the same flowers that I mentioned last week as edible for humans!
Needing a diet with moderate protein, low fat, high fiber and water, captive desert tortoises will eat flowers such as pansies, violets, nasturtiums, hibiscus, geranium, evening primrose and globemallow.
The diet can be supplemented with vegetables like spinach, green beans, and lettuce.
Herb flowers including thyme, sage, and rosemary, all of which grow well in Tucson, can be grown around their habitat.
Greens are an important part of the tortoise’s diet and provides much-needed fiber. Grass is an option for those who want a small patch of green and the leafy greens from many fresh vegetables including carrot, collard, mustard and turnip greens, provide high amounts of protein and extra water.
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For more information on Desert Tortoises, check out this article by Cheryl Losch, eHow Contributor
This article appears in Oct 25-31, 2012.
Nary a desert tortoise hereabouts these days and the alligators packed up and left when we drained and filled the old and stupid pool and replaced with an indoor and smart solar iPool.
Anyway, what about plentiful ordinary and natural Old Pueblo lizards, Marylee M. Pangman? What do they like and need, natural diet-wise? Same as tortoises? Different?
How can we help?
Marylee, Check your facts about this diet for desert torts. Some of these items are not suitiable according to my web sites, including local game and wildlife for captive torts. No lettucefor sure. D.K. Happy caregiver for torts.
suber is exactly right…NO, NO, NO lettuce!! Check the real authorities at the desert museum (link below) or also AZ Fish & Game
http://www.desertmuseum.org/programs/tap_t…