March...

As no one has yet posted for March, I thought I would start it off. As before all the weeds etc mentioned in January and February are all still readily available here and the hedgerows are becoming alive with greenery and colour ( at least the sunny side is ).
One of the plants that grows well around here has been around for a few weeks now, it is safe for torts and I often include in the diet, although they are not that bothered by it.



Red Valerian.



The same again, seen here growing with campanula. I will post more pictures of this plant when it flowers in the summer.

Forsythia is now blooming.

Forsythia.


The Dandelions have begun to flower.

Lots of sticky bud around at the moment - hope this picture comes through ok

Also called Cleavers and Robin Run by the Hedge - okay fed in moderation and at the moment very succulent.

I asked if Cleavers or Goose grass was okay for torts elsewhere and I was told it was not. From reading this

http://www.thetortoisetable.org.uk/site ... &catID=132

I think I will carry on not feeding it. If she finds some herself then I won't worry to much.

Hi Matt

Thats strange, on the same website it says okay to feed in moderation!

Mine eat it mixed in with other things. Does anybody else feed sticky bud okay?

Pat

Hi Pat,

I suppose it comes down to what they mean by moderation. A little bit once or twice a week should be fine. My girl never showed any interest in it until last year, then she couldn't get enough of it, a week later and she was ignoring it again.

This is why I no longer go on loads of different forums...got fed up of being told something was ok on one site and then it wasn't on another! I've always been told sticky bud is fine and have always offered it to my lot, some eat it, some don't I will continue to offer it particulary when other weeds are a bit scarse....

Thanks re the sticky buds Pat, I didn't know you could feed them and the site says ok in moderation, so next time I see a patch I will pick a small amount to mix with my other stuff.
Now back to what this thread is all about...photos....I forgot to add this one when I posted the others.



These are violets that I found growing in the hedge (on the sunny side of the road). Although I wouldn't dream of picking these delicate plants to feed to my tortoises, it is good to know that this is a safe item and should they be growing in your garden your torts would probably enjoy them

From the Garden this morning...


Geranium


Sedum spp.


Chickweed


Chickweed Flower


Bittercress (this usually grows in a rosette, this ones gone a bit mad).




Nipplewort


One of the Cats Ear/Mouse ear family.


Stickybud, Cleavers,goosefoot. Ok in moderation. The Bedstraw group of plants make up around a third of the diet of some wild Hermanns tortoises.


Campanula


Mallow




Violet





Red Dead Nettle





Common/Field Speedwell

great series of pictures Dave,very clear and easily identified thanks to you.thanks for your contribution it really helps .