Moss

erinlyndon

Active Member
Joined
Jun 27, 2016
Messages
138
Hi, just wanted to know if it is safe to put moss in a tortoise enclosure. I've already got sphagnum moss but i wanted to grow some in it too, i'm not sure what it is called but it looks like this:
 

Attachments

  • 1483024228819.jpg
    1483024228819.jpg
    82.4 KB · Views: 66

RosieTortoise

Member
Joined
Jan 22, 2017
Messages
47
I have this in my yard. I'd love to know if it was okay too. I may be getting a redfoot and I feel like this would help emulate her natural habitat.
 

yillt

Well-Known Member
Joined
May 4, 2014
Messages
1,033
Hi, just wanted to know if it is safe to put moss in a tortoise enclosure. I've already got sphagnum moss but i wanted to grow some in it too, i'm not sure what it is called but it looks like this:
Sphagnum moss is the most prominent type in tortoises enclosures.

I see that moss in my garden but I have never used it in the tortoise cage. Until some more experienced member replies, I would stick with Sphagnum moss for now. If you were to use that, you'd need to check it was clean, not riddled with bugs and you'd need to find a pesticide free area to source it from. :)
 

richosullivan

Well-Known Member
5 Year Member
Joined
Feb 26, 2014
Messages
182
Location (City and/or State)
Orlando

Pearly

Well-Known Member
5 Year Member
Joined
Jul 14, 2015
Messages
5,287
Location (City and/or State)
Central Texas, Austin area
Hi, just wanted to know if it is safe to put moss in a tortoise enclosure. I've already got sphagnum moss but i wanted to grow some in it too, i'm not sure what it is called but it looks like this:
. Not only just "safe"! It's very nice, esthetically pleasing and what's most important: has great ability to hold humidity in your terrarium
I have this in my yard. I'd love to know if it was okay too. I may be getting a redfoot and I feel like this would help emulate her natural habitat.
yes, myself and few other members here have been using different kinds if moss as substrate top layer for a while. I personally LOVE the looks of it. It's great for baby torts, keeps them cleaner, their mouth/nose/eyes... the water dish... i like that. Now, bigger torts will probably bulldoze whatever decorative/soft/pretty/natural "carpet" you put in there bcs that's what our torts do: they are like land sharks to beautifully landscaped enclosures. Advise to our new members with young baby torts: enjoy planting your indoor enclosures while you can, for the time is coming where no plant, no landscaped hill/valley/cave will stand. They will LEVEL IT ALL DOWN. And that's ok, that's a sign of a strong healthy tortoise. My babies are 19 months old and I still use some moss indoors, but only around their food stones, water dish and inside/and around their hides. They became very "creative" remodelers and I no longer worry about the "pretty aspect".
Sphagnum moss is the most prominent type in tortoises enclosures.

I see that moss in my garden but I have never used it in the tortoise cage. Until some more experienced member replies, I would stick with Sphagnum moss for now. If you were to use that, you'd need to check it was clean, not riddled with bugs and you'd need to find a pesticide free area to source it from. :)
Good point. Make sure the place wasn't treated with some pesticides before you harverst the moss. I wish we had more moss growing around. I would totally play with it in my garden/landscapes but in my area it is too hot and too dry for moss to grow. Enjoy yours!
 

Tom

The Dog Trainer
10 Year Member!
Platinum Tortoise Club
Joined
Jan 9, 2010
Messages
63,264
Location (City and/or State)
Southern California
Hi, just wanted to know if it is safe to put moss in a tortoise enclosure. I've already got sphagnum moss but i wanted to grow some in it too, i'm not sure what it is called but it looks like this:

Every time I try to use long fibered sphagnum moss, my tortoises all try to eat it. I can't use it. I know for sure they would eat that green growing moss. That type of moss needs cool damp conditions. Not right for a russian tortoise.
 

Pearly

Well-Known Member
5 Year Member
Joined
Jul 14, 2015
Messages
5,287
Location (City and/or State)
Central Texas, Austin area
Every time I try to use long fibered sphagnum moss, my tortoises all try to eat it. I can't use it. I know for sure they would eat that green growing moss. That type of moss needs cool damp conditions. Not right for a russian tortoise.
That is exactly why I have to replace patches of mine every few weeks. The only time i see mine being consumed by my torts is when a piece gets dragged onto their food pile.
 
Top