Reptile & Amphibian Forums

I have several tortoises (1.4 redfoots and 2.1 sulcata) living in outdoor pens. Living in TX, the only trees in my backyard are mesquites, and they are currently shedding their seed pods. I know that mesquite is toxic to some animals, but not to others (i.e. white-tailed deer browse readily on mesquite.) I was wondering if anyone knew what effect, if any, the seed pods might have on my torts if they eat them. I can move the redfoots temporarily if I have to, but since both my male sulcatas are aroun 100lbs, it would be pretty impossible to move them. Funny thing is, I don't remember having this much trouble last year! Any info would be helpful.

Kameron
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Fat, Flat Lizard Ranch

I get the impression that desert tortoises eat mesquite leaves & seeds in season if it's available, therefore, I don't think it will be harmful to yours, if not necessarily good for them. Every spring the mulberry tree next to my house produces LOTS of fruit & my testudos feast like pigs for about a week & have purple mouths for days afterwards.

I know common wisdom says Mediterranean tortoises shouldn't have fruit, but these guys obviously love it & it's only a few days each year.
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The desert tortoises have evolved around the mesquite trees and would have developed a tolerance. I wouldn't experiment with my torts. Perhaps rake the yard well, and shake out what you can from the trees periodically (I've never seen this species of tree before so forgive me if I sound niave) Small amounts may or may not cause a problem. Obviously large consumption, and/or chronic exposure will carry more risk. I doubt there has been any data collected on this (perhaps contact the local herp vet and see if he's come across any toxic reactions)

Ian

The mesquite beans aren't toxic but they are a legume. According to the Tortoise Trust article here:
http://www.tortoisetrust.org/articles/dietcons.html
legumes have a negative affect on calcium so it probably wouldn't be a good idea to feed them too many of those if any at all.
I see wild mammals & birds eating those beans sometimes, but I don't allow my tortoise to have any.
Mesquite is great wood for the bar-b-q pit though.
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PHRatz