Bindweed is a group of plants from the genera Convolvulus and Calystegia that are typically twining, weedy, and produce attractive white, pink, or blue funnel-shaped blooms. This twining perennial is found in hedges, forests, and roadsides. It grows from creeping underground stems.
Several Convolvulus species are common or noticeable. It can be a nuisance in orchards, vineyards, and ornamentals and is especially bothersome in field beans, corn, and soybeans. It competes for water, nutrients, and light with crops, and its twining growth pattern obstructs harvesting operations and may cause crop lodging.
While field bindweed can be a pain for gardeners and farmers, it is a favorite delicacy for tortoises. Because bindweed is such a prevalent weed, many tortoise owners wonder, can tortoises eat bindweed? I will address all your questions regarding this topic in this article. Continue reading to find out more!
When looking up if bindweed is safe for tortoises on the internet, there are a lot of conflicting opinions. Many people believe it is a plant that their tortoises enjoy, while others believe it is harmful and unhealthy for their animals.
My answer?
Can Tortoises Eat Bindweed?
Bindweed is safe for tortoises, as long as it is fed in moderation! It is a favorite of most tortoises, and there are a few perks to giving it to your pet.
- Bindweed is an excellent supplement to your tortoise’s diet, particularly during the summer months when other edible plants are scarce.
- It grows quickly, so you’ll never run out, and it’s a simple herb to feed your tortoise with.
While bindweed provides your tortoise with convenience (as well as delight), it’s crucial to remember that it’s a plant that should be fed in moderation. While bindweed grows rapidly, this does not mean you should feed it to your tortoise daily.
How much bindweed should you feed your tortoise?
Bindweed is purgative and laxative, which is why too much of it can be harmful. It should be fed once or twice a week with other plants and vegetables as part of a larger and more diverse diet.
I’ll walk you through how to select the right bindweed for your tortoise:
- Smaller field bindweed is the best option for harvesting bindweed because it is gentler than other forms.
- If not gathered from your garden, pick exclusively from unpolluted regions.
- Wash the bindweed thoroughly before feeding.
- To avoid the tortoise becoming tangled or possibly harmed, remove the leaves from the vine before feeding.
If it is your first time feeding your tortoise bindweed, I suggest only giving them one small leaf/vine to start. Sometimes it can take a tortoises digestive system a while to to get used to a new plant. Keep a close eye on your turtle to make sure they don’t have any digestion problems after you feed them bindweed.
Bindweed is not to be confused with the psychedelic Morning Glory, Black Bindweed, and Black Bryony, which contain toxic components.
What other plants can tortoises eat?
You can also feed your tortoise different types of herbs and veggies. Tortoises can eat almost any plant or vegetable that humans can, but I’ve included a list of some of the popular plants and veggies for tortoises:
| Plants | Vegetables |
| Lemon Balm | Kale |
| Plantain | Cabbage |
| Mulberry | Green beans |
| Clover | Bell Peppers (in moderation) |
| Chickweed | Pumpkin |
| Aloe Vera | Parsnip |
| Self-Heal | Carrots |
| Campanula | Sweet Potatoes |
| Dock Leaves | Broccoli |
| Red Sorrel | Brussels Sprouts |
To ensure that your tortoise enjoys a balanced diet, you can add bindweed to these plants and vegetables. You should know that tortoises can eat Brussel sprouts as well.
Tortoises are herbivores; thus, they require a diversified, high-fiber, low-fat, low-protein diet. Commercial pellets can be used as part of a balanced diet, and your pet store can provide recommendations. To stay fit and healthy, tortoises should eat a diversified diet of weeds and flowers, as well as calcium supplements.
Conclusion
Make sure you thoroughly research any plant or vegetable that you plant to give to your tortoise. Your tortoise’s diet might also vary according to their species, so make sure you know what foods your tortoise can eat.
This article should hopefully end the dispute over whether bindweed is harmful to tortoises. Remember, bindweed is safe to eat as long as it is consumed in moderation. I’m sure your tortoise will love to have it as a treat every now and again!
Aside from diet, you should also make sure that your tortoise has a good indoor tortoise enclosure if you keep them inside.
