Help! Is it safe for my sulcata to eat barrel cactus?

[SulcataNewbie2014]

I'm a new owner of a pair of baby sulcata tortoises. I bought some barrel cactus to decorate their enclosure. As soon as I put the cactus in the pen, my two babies came over and began eating them. After some reading, I found out that the barrel cactus can be toxic. I immediately took the cactus out of the pen. What should I do?

 

[Abdulla6169]

Welcome to the forum, I suggest you watch for any symptoms, lots of soaks... Visit the vet ASAP if you find a difference in behavior. I can't say anything else.

 

[SulcataNewbie2014]

They were eating the buds of this cactus

 

[SulcataNewbie2014]

They were also nibbling on these.

 

[Abdulla6169]

Can you name those cacti? Know what species they are?

 

[SulcataNewbie2014]

View attachment 94842 They were eating the buds of this cactus

This one is a golden barrel cactus
Echinocactus grusonii (Golden barrel cacti)

 

[Abdulla6169]

Hmmm, it depends :/ this was helpful: http://www.extraplicity.com/galleries/barrel.html Only put plants that have been confirmed to be tortoise safe.

 

[SulcataNewbie2014]

View attachment 94843 They were also nibbling on these.

The one on the left is Notocactus minimus Parodia tenuicylindrica

 

[Abdulla6169]

I don't think I'm a real help, but just soak them lots and watch for signs. I can't definitely tell if they are toxic. But if they do have lots and lots of oxalis acid it can cause poisoning

 

[SulcataNewbie2014]

I don't think I'm a real help, but just soak them lots and watch for signs. I can't definitely tell if they are toxic. But if they do have lots and lots of oxalis acid it can cause poisoning

Thanks for your help. I really hope they are not. I watch them tonight and bring them to the vet tomorrow.

 

[Abdulla6169]

Thanks for your help. I really hope they are not. I watch them tonight and bring them to the vet tomorrow.

I hope they are all right too.

 

[SulcataNewbie2014]

I don't think I'm a real help, but just soak them lots and watch for signs. I can't definitely tell if they are toxic. But if they do have lots and lots of oxalis acid it can cause poisoning

Is this the correct way to soak?

 

[Abdulla6169]

Is this the correct way to soak? View attachment 94846

It's better to find a less steep watering bowl... The way you soak is you put them in a tub-like container (so they can't escape). It should be step something like this:

Then fill the container with warm (not hot!) water to where the plastron meets the shell carapace, which is called the bridge area:

Inside the enclosure you should use plant saucers like these for watering bowls:

 

[SulcataNewbie2014]

It's better to find a less steep watering bowl... The way you soak is you put them in a tub-like container (so they can't escape). It should be step something like this:
View attachment 94849
Then fill the container with warm (not hot!) water to where the plastron meets the shell carapace, which is called the bridge area:
View attachment 94847
Inside the enclosure you should use plant saucers like these for watering bowls:
View attachment 94848

Thank you again for all your help

 

[Abdulla6169]

Thank you again for all your help

Your welcome!

 

[Tom]

I don't know if those are toxic or not, but you need to get a safer water bowl right away, and separate those two. Tortoises should not be housed in pairs.

Please read these:
http://www.tortoiseforum.org/threads/how-to-raise-a-healthy-sulcata-or-leopard-version-2-0.79895/
http://www.tortoiseforum.org/threads/for-those-who-have-a-young-sulcata.76744/
http://www.tortoiseforum.org/threads/beginner-mistakes.45180/
http://www.tortoiseforum.org/threads/pairs.34837/

 

[SulcataNewbie2014]

It's already been over 13 hours since they ate cactus and our 2 sulcatas seem to be fine. Thankfully nothing bad has happen. Never doing that again! I'll always check the forum before I buy any plant for the enclosure. Thanks again for all the advice.

 

[Yellow Turtle01]

Hi, if they are okay now, I wouldn't worry, but make sure they safe before letting them eat them again! Your torts looks dry Your moss should be wet (moist, not soaking) and misting daily ALWAYS helps! I agree with AbdullaAli, that looks deep, I use a small plastic container indoors for my russian, and terra cots outdoors...

 

[ascott]

Sometimes what is listed as toxic to mammals does not have that same issue with reptiles....if the torts are and remain, business as usual then I would just offer an extra soak or two (long soaks) to get the good moving on out....just what I would do, "in my opinion"...

 

[sissyofone]

Hello, You have two cute little Sulcatas there. I'm not sure about barrel cactus, I would do research before putting plants in the enclosure, just in case. Better safe than sorry IMO. I would also like to encourage you to go read those links, Tom gave you. If you read them and follow them your babies will grow up nice and smooth. I know his methods work, My Spunky, Who now resides with another TFO member was raised following his care sheet. Very smooth and I will add a pic of him a few months before he left for Louisiana, and you should see him now that he's been roaming around in that Louisiana sunshine. Wishing you all the best with your babies. And please do put them In seperate enclosures, IMO One will not do well, and their will be bullying. Its not worth the risk of something happening. I've yet to ever see a pair do well.
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