Ficus and others...

[Teiko's Mom]

Does anyone know if Ficus trees are safe? Ferns? How about Ginger plants? (The decorative ones with varigated leaves.) I also have snake plants ,marginatas and periwinkles. I assume most herbs are safe? So many questions...These are all growing in my yard so when Teiko is much bigger, he'll have access to them all..trying to think ahead

 

[egyptiandan]

I know Ficus trees and Periwinkles aren't safe for tortoises. Not sure about the other plants.

Danny

 

[andrewbimmer]

Tortoises eat the following herbs:
Coriander, Dill, Mint, Parsley, Basil, Oregano, Rosemary and Thyme.

 

[Itort]

Ginger plants are eaten by asiatic tortoises, haven't seen a mention of it for torts from other continents. As far as ferns you need to know the species, some are eatable and some are not.

 

[Teiko's Mom]

Thanks for the advice...I'll try and find out about the ferns. We have so many different weed, vines and plants here it'll be hard to id all of them.
I may just have to keep Teiko "locked up" inside a large enclosure when he gets bigger

 

[Itort]

If you can find a source on wild foods for south Florida in most cases if a human can eat it so can the tort. I've got references on wild foods for the temperate North America but not for S. Florida or the Carribean area.