Reptile & Amphibian Forums

Hi
Has anyone heard of any bad effects on torts from eating mistletoe leaves? I know it is toxic and my neighbors elm tree that hangs over my yard has tons of it growing on the branches. Good amounts of it falls into my yard from the actions of squirrels etc. and I have a couple of Galapagos torts that love it! I pick it up as best I can, but I can't get it all.
I know tortoises have a good immunity to toxic plants, but I am not sure how toxic this species is. My partner's galops eat poisonous plants every once in a while because he has an extensive exotic plant collection and never has a single problem, but he does not have mistletoe experience. Thanks for the impute.

I firmly believe the animal nows best. If it is not starving and it has a choice I let my critters decide. It makes me nervous but my thinking is that there might be something they are looking for they need. It's a tough decision.
Ed

Yeah, that's exactly what I was thinking. I have noticed them eating mud sometimes--more so in this yard than i have ever seen them eat anywhere else. I know some animals, especialy south American macaws will eat mud to absorb toxins in the fruit pits they are eating. Maybe they do know what their doing after all.

They will also eat tin foil, bottle tops, popcorn, marshmallows, cigarette butts, cherios...etc

EJ