Laura Smith
There are around 50,000 types of mushrooms worldwide, and many of these are toxic to animals. Some tortoise owners feed their pets mushrooms, but it is difficult to identify mushrooms, and there is a risk of poisoning your tortoise. While some sources suggest that tortoises will not eat fungi that are toxic to them, others recommend sticking to store-bought mushrooms, as there are many highly poisonous mushrooms that look very similar to edible ones.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Types of mushrooms | 50,000 types of mushrooms worldwide |
| Toxicity | Some mushrooms are toxic to tortoises. |
| Identifying toxic mushrooms | Unless you are an expert in identifying fungi, it is recommended to only feed tortoises store-bought mushrooms. |
| Tortoises and mushrooms in the wild | Wild tortoises eat a lot of mushrooms and other fungi. |
| Safe mushroom varieties | Portabellas, light brown garden-variety mushrooms |
| Tortoise behaviour | Some sources suggest that tortoises will not eat fungi that are toxic to them. |
| Expert advice | If you are unsure whether a mushroom is toxic, consult a veterinarian or a mycologist. |
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What You'll Learn
Some mushrooms are toxic to tortoises
Tortoises typically feed on plant matter, with their diets varying based on their environment. While some species, like box turtles and red-footed tortoises, are known to eat mushrooms, it is generally recommended to avoid feeding wild or unidentified mushrooms to tortoises due to the risk of toxicity. It is best to stick to store-bought mushrooms if you want to include them in your tortoise's diet.
Red-footed tortoises, box turtles, and Hermann's tortoises are among the species observed to eat mushrooms in the wild. However, it is important to note that even within the same species, individual tortoises may show varying preferences for mushrooms. Some tortoises may eagerly devour certain mushrooms, while others may sniff and walk away.
The protein content in mushrooms can be too high for most tortoises, making them unsuitable for their diet. Additionally, wild mushrooms may be high in vitamin D2, but farm-raised mushrooms tend to have lower levels due to their growth conditions. Therefore, it is crucial to be cautious and well-informed when including mushrooms in a tortoise's diet.
Overall, while some mushrooms may be safe for certain species of tortoises, it is essential to exercise caution due to the potential toxicity of unidentified mushrooms. It is always best to consult with experts and prioritize the health and safety of your tortoise.
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Wild mushrooms are hard to identify
Mushrooms can be toxic to tortoises, and wild mushrooms are hard to identify. While some tortoise species can eat mushrooms as part of their diet, it is important to be cautious. There are several million species of fungi in the world, and many of these are toxic. Even experts can struggle to identify mushrooms from pictures and brief descriptions, and it is recommended to only feed store-bought mushrooms to tortoises unless you are an expert in identifying fungi.
Wild mushrooms can be extremely difficult to identify, and there is a high risk of mistaking a toxic mushroom for an edible one. Many poisonous mushrooms look very similar to edible ones, and even slight differences in the shape, colour, and gills of a mushroom can indicate that it is a different species. For example, the poisonous jack o'lantern mushroom can be confused with a chanterelle due to their similar appearance, but jack o'lanterns are poisonous, whereas chanterelles are edible. Chanterelles have a unique peppery, peachy, and apricot-like flavour and are found on the east and west coasts of the US. They have wavy, funnel-shaped caps and no gills, although they may display gill-like ridges. Another example is the morel, which has a honeycomb-looking or corrugated-type cap that grows above a white stem. There are also false morels, which are similar in appearance but are toxic.
To identify wild mushrooms, it is important to consider various factors beyond just colour and size. The habitat of the mushroom, including the type of tree it is growing on or near, can be a crucial factor. For example, morels grow on specific types of trees, including ash, tulip, oak, hickory, and maple. The presence of gills or pores can also be an important indicator of the mushroom's species. The colour and texture of the cap and stem are also important factors to consider. For example, bolete mushrooms have a separate cap and stem, with a spongy surface of pores.
It is recommended to join a local mycological group or buy a regional field guide to learn about the wild mushrooms that grow in your area. It is also important to seek to identify at least the genus of the mushroom, as there can be significant variation even within the same genus. Proper identification of wild mushrooms is crucial, and it is always better to err on the side of caution when dealing with potentially toxic fungi.
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Some tortoise species can eat mushrooms
Mushrooms are generally too high in protein to feed to most tortoises. However, some tortoise species can eat mushrooms and other edible fungi as part of their diet. These include Redfoots, Yellowfoots, Box Turtles, Wood Turtles, and Hermann's tortoises.
Box turtles are known to be able to eat "poisonous" varieties of mushrooms, which lend their bodies some toxic properties. This led to Native Americans believing that Box turtles themselves were poisonous to eat. However, there is a risk of accidentally poisoning and killing pet tortoises with wild mushrooms, so it is recommended to stick to store-bought mushrooms.
Some sources suggest that tortoises will not eat fungi that are toxic to them, whether or not the fungi are toxic to humans. However, it is difficult for humans to identify safe mushrooms, and there are many highly poisonous mushrooms and toadstools that look very similar to edible ones. Therefore, it is recommended to only feed tortoises store-bought mushrooms unless one has expertise in identifying fungi.
If a tortoise does ingest a wild mushroom, it is recommended to see a vet. To help the vet identify the mushroom, it is helpful to take photos of the mushroom and note one's location.
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Some tortoise species avoid toxic plants
Mushrooms are not inherently toxic to tortoises, but it is important to be cautious when feeding them to your pet. While some tortoise species can include mushrooms as part of their diet, others should only eat them in moderation or avoid them altogether due to their high protein content. Wild mushrooms, in particular, carry a high risk of poisoning, as many toxic varieties closely resemble edible ones.
Some tortoise owners choose to allow their pets to forage for fungi in their outdoor pens, but they should be aware of the dangers. It is advised that only store-bought mushrooms be fed to tortoises, as even experts can struggle to identify wild mushrooms.
Tortoises are primarily herbivores, and their diet should consist mostly of leafy greens and grass. Some species, such as Redfoots and Box Turtles, are more omnivorous and can safely consume mushrooms. However, it is essential to be cautious when introducing new foods to tortoises, as they are often picky eaters and may not recognize novel items as food.
While tortoises have been observed avoiding toxic fungi, it is not guaranteed that they will never consume something harmful. As such, it is crucial for tortoise owners to be able to identify poisonous plants and fungi and keep them away from their pets. Common toxic plants include morning glory, oleander, periwinkle, peonies, oak trees, celery, crocuses, daffodils, and foxgloves.
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Consult a vet if a tortoise eats a mushroom
While some sources suggest that tortoises will not eat fungi that are toxic to them, it is still important to consult a vet if your tortoise eats a mushroom, especially if it is a wild mushroom. Unless you are an expert in identifying fungi, it is difficult to know whether a mushroom is edible or poisonous, as many poisonous mushrooms look very similar to edible ones.
If your tortoise has eaten a wild mushroom, try to identify the mushroom using a Mushroom ID app or by consulting an expert. This information will be useful for your vet. In the meantime, keep a close eye on your tortoise and watch for any changes in behaviour or health. If your tortoise is acting strangely or seems unwell, contact your vet immediately.
Even if your tortoise appears to be healthy after eating a wild mushroom, it is still a good idea to consult a vet. They can assess your tortoise's health and provide any necessary treatment or advice. In some cases, mushroom poisoning may not cause immediate symptoms, so it is always better to be cautious and seek professional advice.
Additionally, if your tortoise has eaten a store-bought mushroom, it is still a good idea to consult a vet if you are concerned. While store-bought mushrooms are generally safer than wild mushrooms, there is still a risk of poisoning if the mushrooms are old or contaminated. A vet can advise you on the risks and provide guidance on how to care for your tortoise.
Overall, if your tortoise eats a mushroom, it is always best to err on the side of caution and seek veterinary advice. By consulting a vet, you can ensure that your tortoise receives the care and treatment it needs to stay healthy and safe.
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Frequently asked questions
Some mushrooms are toxic to tortoises, but it is believed that tortoises will not eat fungi that are toxic to them. However, it is recommended that only store-bought mushrooms are fed to pet tortoises, as wild mushrooms can be extremely hard to identify, and there are many highly poisonous mushrooms that look similar to edible ones.
Only store-bought mushrooms should be fed to tortoises. Portabellas are a favourite among some tortoises.
Take photos of the mushroom and consult a veterinarian or a mycologist in your area for identification. Keep a close eye out for digestive issues such as a lack of appetite or drinking.
Mushrooms are too high in protein for most tortoises, but some species, including Redfoots, Yellowfoots, Box Turtles, Wood Turtles, and Hermann's tortoises, can have mushrooms as part of their diet.
