Does anyone feed cactus pads? I really want to, but have a few logistical questions. First, if I use a pad from the cactus in my garden, do I need to prepare them? I mean, even the "spineless" varieties of Opuntia have some small spines. Or am I better off buying a pad at the grocery store, and does anyone know if they are prepared?
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Feeding Cactus Pads?
curtis9980
Jun 13, 2010 08:09 PM
Replies (3)
bufo_floridious
Jun 14, 2010 08:00 AM
i feed my boxies spineless cactus from my yard. I just go over them with some scissors and remove any bigger spines and have never had any trouble.
jscrick
Jun 14, 2010 09:16 AM
"Spineless" Opuntia Cactus pads are a good source of Calcium and Vitamin C, as well as fiber.
No preparation is necessary. You can run a knife over the surface in order to dislodge the glochid spines if you like.
Nopal/Nopales/Nopalitos is the Hispanic term for "spineless" edible variety of Prickly Pear you find in grocery stores. They are usually fully prepared as sold. Tunas are the edible fruit.
Land turtles, Tortoises, and Box Turtles all enjoy dining on the pads, the fruit, the flowers. All good for them, too.
jsc
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"As hard as I've tried, just can't NOT do this"
John Crickmer
curtis9980
Jun 18, 2010 11:15 AM
I knew they were very healthy and packed with vitamins, that's why I've been wanting to feed them. Thanks for the instructions.
My 3-toed devoured his half a pad and the two Eastern juvies split the other half, but only one brother ate some. The other was not interested at all. I'll leave it in there and see if he goes back for it.
