Prickly pear/Opuntia flowers?

[gooby]

Hi all,

I haven't been able to confirm anywhere if Opuntia flowers are edible/healthy for bearded dragons. I know they're edible to people and logic would dictate if the pads and fruits are good for bearded dragons the petals should be fine as well but would love to stay on the safe side. Anyone know? I live in Arizona and while the prickly pears I have in my yard aren't the easiest variety to remove spines from I'm expecting to have a lot of flowers soon.

Thanks!

 

[Sadie]

Hi all,

I haven't been able to confirm anywhere if Opuntia flowers are edible/healthy for bearded dragons. I know they're edible to people and logic would dictate if the pads and fruits are good for bearded dragons the petals should be fine as well but would love to stay on the safe side. Anyone know? I live in Arizona and while the prickly pears I have in my yard aren't the easiest variety to remove spines from I'm expecting to have a lot of flowers soon.

Thanks!

Look at this website and see if it helps

What kind of cactus can a bearded dragon eat? - The Environmental Literacy Council

Feeding Your Fire-Breather: A Guide to Cactus Consumption for Bearded Dragons Bearded dragons, those charismatic little lizards with the spiky […]

enviroliteracy.org

 

[gooby]

Look at this website and see if it helps

What kind of cactus can a bearded dragon eat? - The Environmental Literacy Council

Feeding Your Fire-Breather: A Guide to Cactus Consumption for Bearded Dragons Bearded dragons, those charismatic little lizards with the spiky […]

enviroliteracy.org

Thank you, but unfortunately no. Like every site I've seen no mention of the flowers at all one way or another.

 

[Sadie]

Thank you, but unfortunately no. Like every site I've seen no mention of the flowers at all one way or another.

ok so lets get some more help here on this I reached out to 3 others see if they can help

 

[gooby]

ok so lets get some more help here on this I reached out to 3 others see if they can help

Thank you so much! It would be so great to know as I have so many Opuntia on my property.

 

[Sadie]

Thank you so much! It would be so great to know as I have so many Opuntia on my property.

I got one response back and they didnt know - waiting for couple of others

 

[Drache613]

Hello,

I will try to find information on that, but haven't seen anything yet.

Tracie

 

[Sadie]

Another response
I haven't heard much about those one way or another. If you do try offering them, I would offer just a little bit at a time and have some activated charcoal on hand to administer quickly if you see adverse effects.

 

[Drache613]

Hello,

There really isn't much information at all. When in doubt, it would be a good idea to probably avoid it for now. Or, if you do give a small amount, keep some activated charcoal on hand, as suggested just in case there is a reaction.
I will keep on checking for information.

Tracie

 

[gooby]

Thanks all, I'm definitely not interested in risking it, it just seems such a shame if it's a missed opportunity. I was able to process a paddle tonight and she went crazy for it at least just a little tedious with the variety I have