Sulcata tortoises can be found living in some of Africa’s driest regions and feeding on grasses, cacti, succulents, flowers and other plant materials that provide them sustenance.
Many herbs produce edible flowers, such as fennel, thyme, rosemary, sage and basil (Ocimum basilicum). Common vegetables also bear edible blossoms such as squash blossoms.
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Roses
Sulcata tortoises are frequently described by their owners as “eating machines.” When living in the wild, these tortoises spend most of their day foraging for food while in captivity they need access to a diet rich in fibrous grasses and hay along with greens, fruits and flowers for maximum nourishment.
Roses, hibiscus and daisies are safe treats for tortoises that can be offered either occasionally as treats or included as part of a tortoise salad.
However, ingestion of too many of these plants could result in irritation or toxicity; to ensure their safety it is essential that only fresh leaves and flowers without pesticide residues are offered as snacks.
Arugula is another favourite tortoise food, but should only be fed in small amounts due to goitrogens that could potentially cause thyroid disorder. Other leafy greens that should be occasionally given include mustard greens, watercress, parsley and dandelions – however avoid alfalfa hay which contains high concentrations of oxalates which could potentially lead to bladder stones and kidney failure in tortoises.
Hibiscus
Sulcata tortoises in the wild have long been known to forage and graze for hours each day. While kept captive, sulcata tortoises require access to pesticide- and herbicide-free hays such as Timothy grass, orchard grass, meadow hay, clover, fescue grass or ryegrass that contain no oxalates – particularly alfalfa which contains too many oxalates that may cause shell distortion or kidney issues among tortoises.
Hibiscus flowers (Hibiscus sabdariffa) add color and fresh flavor to tortoise diets, not to mention being an excellent source of vitamin C. Use Hibiscus flowers either directly in salads or make hard-boiled egg dye. To do this, combine water and Hibiscus flowers into a saucepan. Bring the mixture up to a boil then remove from heat; allow eggs to sit in this solution until cool before discarding the liquid.
Geraniums (Petunia spp.) are another great flower that sulcata tortoises love to munch on, being easy to cultivate and offering multiple colors for you tortoise’s snack needs. Blooming throughout the year provides constant fresh snacks for your tortoise!
Prickly Pear Cactus
Sulcata tortoises in the wild spend most of their day grazing on tough, fibrous grasses – this accounts for between 70-90% of their diet – as well as vegetables and fruit. Instead of drinking water directly, Sulcata tortoises prefer getting their water intake through their food sources instead.
Cactus pads (Opuntia sp.) make a tasty treat for tortoises of all sizes, including sulcatas. When selecting varieties without spines for feeding purposes, as they could potentially cause injury to tortoises.
Clover (Trifolium repens) is another garden vegetable beloved by sulcatas. If possible, choose varieties not treated with pesticides to maximize success.
Many annual bedding plants feature edible blooms, including scented geraniums (Pelargonium species). When selecting edible annual bedding plants in warm climates, look for those which bloom earlier than other bedding plants – this makes for attractive accents in any garden – whether indoors in containers or planted out into flowerbeds; full sunlight should provide optimal growth conditions.
Dried Flowers
Sulcata tortoises in captivity must be fed foods similar to what they would find in their natural habitat, including flowers, vegetables and grasses.
Marigolds (Calendula), sun-loving annuals, are an exquisite treat for tortoises. Not only do these flowers taste fantastic but they provide essential vitamins and antioxidants – perfect for either the garden or containers!
Sulcata tortoises also enjoy feeding on Geraniums (Pelargoniums) and Daisies (Leucanthus species), both of which should be planted in full sun for maximum enjoyment.
Avoid feeding Sulcata tortoises spinach (Spinacia oleracea). Oxalates present in spinach can interfere with its absorption by the tortoise’s body, so only feed as an occasional treat if necessary.
