What to eat locally? - Mesa, AZ

[MesaSully]

I have access to over 4 acres of natural desert in Mesa, AZ. What local desert vegetation can my sulcatan eat or not eat?

 

[Tom]

There isn't much growing out there naturally that I know of that is good for sulcatas.

You'll probably have to plant and maintain your own stuff like mulberry trees, grape vines, opuntia, grasses, alfalfa, lavatera, etc...

 

[Neal]

This native plant list was written specifically for Desert Tortoises, but is applicable for sulcatas too. It's not a perfect list, but should give you a good point of reference.

http://www.azgfd.gov/pdfs/w_c/tortoise/new/DesertTortoiseDiet.pdf

Winter is a good time for edible weeds in our area with Mallow being very prevalent. That should start sprouting very soon.

 

[MesaSully]

Great, thanks for the info. Will check out the info.

 

[HI Tortoise Rescue]

You should be able to find Opuntia & other edible cacti in the desert around Mesa, but it depends on how large your Sulcatas are as to whether they can digest them. Give us a bit more info on your tortoises, & we can be of more help.

Welcome to the forum.

Ken

 

[MesaSully]

Ken,

My Sully is about 3.5 - 4". Had her for about a month.

 

[Tom]

You should be able to find Opuntia & other edible cacti in the desert around Mesa, but it depends on how large your Sulcatas are as to whether they can digest them. Give us a bit more info on your tortoises, & we can be of more help.

Welcome to the forum.

Ken

I feed opuntia to everything from new hatchlings to large adults. Which size can't digest opuntia?

 

[MesaSully]

If it is good for the small ones, how often can they be given the opuntia?