Dried Oak Leaves??

[Shakudo]

Hello,


I would like to use some dried oak leaf for decoration in my tortoise vivarium.

I did some research and what I found were various opinions.

According to thetortoisetable.org.uk oak leaves have toxic properties. And preferably should not be given.

My tortoise was nibbling on a dead leaf so I immediately removed it all. I honestly thought it was fine. Luckily I checked. Stupid me.

Sad to see it go though, it looked great for me but I don't dare take the risk.

Anyone have any experience with this?

Well at least I got some nice pictures of Yoshi walking around in her home


Thanks,


Joey

 

[Tom]

Green oak leaves are toxic. Old dried up weathered oak leaves are not. I know this because we use them for roach colonies. The roaches like to chew on the old leaves. If they were toxic all our roach colonies would be dead.

Even still, I don't think I would use them in a small indoor inclosure. Outdoors it shouldn't hurt a thing though. I have oaks in or near many of my enclosures and the tortoises don't bother with the leaves.

 

[Shakudo]

Okay thanks, I got them all out of my vivarium.

 

[FLINTUS]

While I try not to get oak leaves when collecting my leaf litter, a number of them do end up in my enclosures, with so far, no negative effects. Try beech leaves for decoration as well.

 

[Shakudo]

While I try not to get oak leaves when collecting my leaf litter, a number of them do end up in my enclosures, with so far, no negative effects. Try beech leaves for decoration as well.

Good idea!

Thanks!


Joey

 

[DutchieAmanda]

A few weeks ago I spoke with someone who kept his redfoots on a bedding of dried oak leaves. I would not do this, but his torts seem to be healthy...

 

[Shakudo]

Yeah, I used the lot of it to decorate other vivariums. Got it all out.