Reptile & Amphibian Forums

What native plants do you recommend I harvest here in KY for some chuckwallas? I've got ten acres of hay and wild native plants, flowers, trees and bushes to choose from.

Correct if I'm wrong but these are ok...

clover-Are all the different types ok for chucks?

hay-I'm not even sure what kind of hay is growing here but the neighbor cuts it each year. I've made no effort to grow anything special. I'm working on finding out exactly what I've got bermuda, timothy, alfalfo, or fescue. It looks like I have a few different kinds growing.

Should I harvest specifically leaves, stalks, flowers or seed heads?

Also, any recommendations on plants that would grow here easily enough that I may consider planting? I do have clay soil but it turns to pea gravel 18" down. Digging here is not a fun chore. Point is the soil drains fairly well for clay.

Any recommendations regarding a good book for identifying these native to KY wild plants?

Thanks,

TC

Hi Tommy. fresh Clover and alfalfa are good. Dandelion of course. MAn do a search for safe plants to feed herbivore lizards and there are quite a few sites that will help you out.

Tom

Thanks Tom, I will be doing that. I really need to find a book that will help me ID what I've got growing here exactly but I'm working on that too.

I wanna harvest some stuff and toss it in the freezer soon before the cold sets in and ruins it for me.

I wonder if the creosote plant is even worth trying to grow here? It seems there are some prickly pears that will as well as the different flowers they like. I've got plenty of dandelions and clover.

It's surprising how little I know about what's growing in my own fields. Fun learning for sure!

TC

http://vet.vet.purdue.edu/vth/SACP/documents/herbivorousreptiles.pdf
http://www.anapsid.org/resources/plants.html
http://www.tortoisetrust.org/articles/Plantoxins.htm
http://www.tortoisetrust.org/articles/plantfoods.html
http://www.moonvalleyreptiles.com/uromastyx/uromastyx-diet

Here are just a few pages Tommy. Do a search for Kentucky native weeds. Usually one of th euniversities will have a data base with info and id.

Tom

http://plants.usda.gov/java/invasiveOne?pubID=KY
http://www.ergonica.com/Weed_Lists5.htm