Basking

Opuntia Cactus Pads

Opuntia ficus-indica

Also known as: nopal, prickly pear pads, nopales, cactus pear pads

Not veterinary advice. This information is for educational purposes. Always consult a qualified exotic animal veterinarian for guidance specific to your pet.

Safety by species

Hermann's Tortoise

Testudo hermanni

Excellent Ca:P ratio, high fiber. Remove spines before offering.

Safe

Leopard Tortoise

Stigmochelys pardalis

Excellent Ca:P ratio and moisture source for large tortoises. Very well-liked.

Safe

Red-footed Tortoise

Chelonoidis carbonarius

Safe and nutritious, good fiber and calcium source.

Safe

Sulcata Tortoise

Centrochelys sulcata

Excellent Ca:P ratio and moisture source for large tortoises. Very well-liked.

Safe

Greek Tortoise

Testudo graeca

Excellent Ca:P ratio, high fiber. Remove spines before offering.

Safe

Russian Tortoise

Agrionemys horsfieldii

Outstanding Ca:P ratio (~6.8:1), high fiber, high moisture. Naturally present in the Russian tortoise's southern range overlap. Remove spines and rinse thoroughly.

Safe