Weed dilemma

[cpl1307]

Hi all,

Would you consider it safe to give my horsefield weeds that have got little nibbles on from other creatures.

I've still got some wild strawberry leaves, but in places I can see another insect or creature has nibbled on it. Also they have brown edges in places. I would snip them off, but I'm more concerned about weeds that have already been somethings dinner. I've attached a couple of pictures to look at. Hope this helps.

Any advise?

 

[wellington]

Grazing tortoises would have eaten any plant/weed in their grazing path and wouldn't care if something had already taken a bite from it. They wouldn't even care if that thing eating on it were still there.
So yes feed it.

 

[cpl1307]

Grazing tortoises would have eaten any plant/weed in their grazing path and wouldn't care if something had already taken a bite from it. They wouldn't even care if that thing eating on it were still there.
So yes feed it.

Thank you Wellington! I search the garden for the freshest weeds and you're totally right. In the wild they wouldn't care what condition it was in. I need to stop domesticating her so much and realise what she would do in the wild. She/He doesn't like having a bath. I use a grey cat litter tray. Plenty if room to move about. Would she be better with a transparent bath do you think? Also there's like a waxy substance that's all over the surface of the water when she's due to get out. Is that just shedding. Sorry for so many questions!
Colin

 

[wellington]

It's good when they move around a lot in their soaks. They may not like it, but too bad for them. I think a transparent container would make it worse as she would be able to see out.
The waxy/oily is likely from them peeing or if they pooped, even if it's not an obvious poop, they may have still secreted some liquid or urates.

 

[wellington]

Never be sorry for asking questions. That's what this forum is about.

 

[TammyJ]

Grazing tortoises would have eaten any plant/weed in their grazing path and wouldn't care if something had already taken a bite from it. They wouldn't even care if that thing eating on it were still there.
So yes feed it.

I love this reply. And I would add that in fact, if there were no little nibbles, I would wonder why.

 

[cpl1307]

It's good when they move around a lot in their soaks. They may not like it, but too bad for them. I think a transparent container would make it worse as she would be able to see out.
The waxy/oily is likely from them peeing or if they pooped, even if it's not an obvious poop, they may have still secreted some liquid or urates.

It is definitely after they have pooped it happens. I give her a good scrub with a soft toothbrush, which she hates, but it's got to be done as the dirt that comes off her is unnoticeable. I use a just next to her bath with clean water to do this and I know her only favourite bit is pouring another fresh warm jug of water over her. She loves that part. When I got her in November 2022 she weighed 56g and today she weighs 304g!! She has grown so fast! I can see a transparent shell growing around her whole shell, which turns dark. I didn't think she would grow so fast. Obviously the first picture is the day she arrived.

 

[wellington]

She is looking great. Keep up the good job you are doing.

 

[cpl1307]

Thank you and thank you for your advice. I appreciate it