The question to which I was responding, was sources of calcium for wild boxies.
Not historically which foods they have eaten. Currently, and for longer than several boxies lifespans; dandelions have been here and relished by many different types of wildlife, including wild boxies.
In 99% of any published journal on foods high in calcium and GOOD for box turtles; the common dandelion is listed.
In woodland habitat boxies venture out to bask in morning sunlight in open patches and the most common weeds are dandelions.
Every single caresheet on the web, lists dandelions as a preferred food for boxies; including the Boxie Care Page made by the webmaster of this forum.
Historically to which you refer?
2000 plants now in North Carolina including many types of grapes, berries, olives, pears, apples, chicory, roses, and mushrooms are not native ...yet wild boxies feed on them!
Over 400 exotic insects are now naturalized in the forests, parks, and urban landscapes of North Carolina, more in the surrounding states, many of which Wild Boxies feed on and actually relish! Included are the lowly slugs ( 3 species of non native slugs thrive in N.C.) and cockroaches.
Currently, there is a problem with the introduction of non native bird species that are taking over the forests of Wild Boxie's habitat. The most common bird in the entire country is the European Sparrow, and the second one is the non native Starling. More than likely it would be the most common baby bird that boxies feed on. All are not native historically.
The list is much too long to post here.
Dodo birds and Passenger pigeon eggs and babies were historically food for Wild Boxies; but NOT of any significance now. But they would be historically correct native foods for Wild Boxies.
The point is boxies adapt, as do all of us. They do eat green veggies ( maybe yours don't, but all others do) They do love and eat copious amounts of the common dandelion.
I will not go tit for tat as has been done in recent posts. I find it counter productive.
Ric
