Wild herbs for turtles

The menu of the turtles includes many edible wild herbs, which are also native to us. For example bear's garlic, nettle, common plantain, real lungwort, daisies, goose-fingerweed, common lady's mantle, common evening primrose, common chicory, great burdock, burdock, dandelion, milk thistle, yarrow, clove-leaved willow-herb, pigeon, black-leaved willow-herb, pigeon-horned willow .

Ideal collecting time

Most wild herbs sprout again in spring. These fresh shoots are ideal food for turtles.

they are nutritious
have a lot of protein
are low in raw fiber

Tips

Most of the wild herbs that are on the turtle's menu are edible and healthy for us humans. You can therefore courageously grab and try while collecting.

Also feed older plants

Young shoots are particularly tender, which is why many turtle owners only pick these for their animals. But that's not ideal. Also, collect older plant parts as they contain more fiber. Turtles need these as well as plenty of protein.

Tips

Turtles also need a lot of calcium. Since many wild plants contain little of it, you should also provide this substance. In autumn, distribute limestone quarries or dolomite in the animals' outdoor enclosure.

Dried herbs as a supplement

A portion of the freshly collected wild herbs can be given to the turtles immediately. In addition, it makes sense to dry wild herbs. At a later point in time, they can be fed as supplementary feed.

What else to consider?

Forage plants for turtles must be carefully selected:

they must not be fertilized
watch out for poisonous wild plants
do not collect on the roadside
Choose types that are low in protein and low in calories
provide variety / feed different species

Search or grow?

Wild herbs grow everywhere and are free. However, the search can take time. That is why wild herbs can be searched for or specifically cultivated in your own garden. It is also possible to sow in pots on the balcony.