Oak Leaves

[longbow]

Safe or an issue ? I have live oaks, red oaks, spanish oaks and tons of Texas Rock Juniper. All of the oaks spread by tiny plants growing around their bases. Are the safe for a Sulcata?

 

[Madkins007]

Oak (leaves, acorns, and seedlings) are one of the few plants that are KNOWN to be dangerous to many tortoises- the seedlings seem to be especially dangerous because they look so tasty.

I do not know if this applies equally to all types of oaks or not.

(Source: "Reptile Medicine and Surgery", Dr. Douglas Mader, ed.)

 

[Tom]

We all feed dead, weathered oak leaves to our roach colonies, but I wouldn't let my torts eat them.

 

[DeanS]

A HUGE No! on all counts...no oaks, no juniper!

 

[longbow]

Thanks. I picked up a Sulcata from a guy who found it and it was on a poor diet. I thought I should make sure I could provide better. I'm on the right track now and I really enjoy these guys.

 

[Yvonne G]

Hi Longbow:

Welcome to the forum!!

 

[dmmj]

OK dumb question time, is poison oak in the oak family? and is it safe for torts? I try to ask one dumb question a day, sadly I usually go way over my limit.

 

[jackrat]

My redfoots' enclosure is located under huge red oaks.Never seen them eating leaves or acorns,not to say they don't.

 

[Madkins007]

Poison Oak (Toxicodendron diversilobum) is not related to oak trees in any way- http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Toxicodendron_diversilobum

It is more closely related to Poison Ivy and Poison Sumac which all produce the rash-causing oils. A lot of animals can eat them without any problems, but I do not know if tortoises are in that group.