Cactus

Mallykc

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A coworker gave me this cactus after they found out I had a tortoise. Is it safe for my sulcata to eat?
Also, I repotted it this week and ouch was that painful! Any suggestions on the best way to cut those thorns off before feeding it to him? And last question, assuming it's safe how often can he eat this? Is it a rare snack or a normal part of his diet?
 

Mallykc

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So no other opinions or thoughts? Guess it's safe to feed him daily and just burn off the spikes?
 

AZtortMom

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They are safe to feed as a daily part of their diet. I would take off the spikes. :D I scrape off the spikes with a knife
 

Len B

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Nice plant, I don't see any long spines so I wouldn't worry to much about your tortoise handling the short ones. I cut the pad in narrow strips for a young sulcata that is new to eating cactus, Only cut off the pad what you think he will eat a day.Just think in years to come he will be able to eat a cactus that size in a day. When handling cactus, newspaper and tongs make it easier and less sticky especially when planting larger plants.
 

Boxturtle1

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Wow you guys are great. I'm new and reason I joined was to help with my zillion OTW questions.
I live in Virginia zone 7 and we have plenty of Opuntia here you just have to look and it does grow like a weed albeit a sticky one. I found a huge clump outside our local Mexican restaurant and they are happy to share a few pads. You can take a pad cut it in quarters, let the wounds heal by air dry for a day or two and then plant. Leave half in and half out and before u know will have a new plant.
Question: I get how to remove the spines. The little very fine ones just burn those off. I am getting my first R T adoption next week and want to get all ready for it! Is the new growth better it has less hairs but still some stickies is this ok. Quarter size new growth pads. Thanks!!
 

Yvonne G

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So no other opinions or thoughts? Guess it's safe to feed him daily and just burn off the spikes?

Supposedly, the tortoise can eat the cactus glochids (thorns) and all. But I buy the cheapy pot scrubbers from the dollar store, hold the pad in tongs and rub the glochids off with the pot scrubber, then toss the scrubber in the garbage.
 

Momof4

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You scored!!
I use tongs and burn off each side on the gas stove.
 

ZEROPILOT

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I grow some of the spineless variety, but still find an odd spine every now and then.
I also scrape with a knife.
I don't like spikes in my fingers and I'm sure that spines in the tongue and throat wouldn't be fun, either.
I'm aware that desert torts eat them spines and all. So do Gopher tortoises. But I'd like to think I'm being kind.
 

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J.P.

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Any suggestions on the best way to cut those thorns off before feeding it to him?
this is the spiny variety, i don't think light scorching will work unless you do it long enough to cook or even burn the pads. scrubbing or scarping would not work either since the spikes on your cactus are too tough.
i have not tried this vireity since it is easier to use the spineless, maybe you could snip each thorn with garden shears since the spikes are big enough to be visible.
 
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