AztecPurse101
New Member
Can i put fake grass at my tortoise’s outdoor enclosure? There’s real grass in half of its enclosure but also an empty spot where the grasses dont grow. So i was wondering if its okay to put fake grass in?
Fake grass in enclosure
- Thread starter AztecPurse101
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Greetings. Id put a good substrate down on the half, not use artificial turf. Tortoises try to eat it, nails get caught in the strands, doesnt hold moisture in.... Use a good recommended substrate. Much better.
AztecPurse101
New Member
Thanks Maro2Bear, i suppose coco coir is a good substrate to put outside but what happens if it rains? It’ll get soaking wet
Fake grass won’t do anything but make it look good for you. The tortoise doesn’t need it and would likely prefer just substrate if nothing will grow. Plus if they eat it you’ve got problems. As for outdoor substrate it depends on the species. I have very sandy soil so I amend my redfoots with natural mulch and some organic topsoil so it holds the humidity. I have to add some every year to maintain humidity and for egg laying. For my testudo and sulcata that prefer it drier I put some amendments in it so it’ll grow weeds but I keep it as natural as possible so it’s well draining. If you do amend the soil make sure it’s natural or organic. No dyed mulches or soil with added fertilizers or perlite. Best thing to do is build a compost bin in your yard and make your own soil amendments.
Why not just leave it dirt? Dirt is what tortoise walk on in the wild. Its what all of my tortoises live on.
The empty spot where grass doesn’t grow is perfect for your tortoise to dig into and scratch about. Beak up the surface a little and your tortoise will love it 
I would put a shelter on there, one with no floor, so your tortoise can enjoy the bare earth to snooze on
I would put a shelter on there, one with no floor, so your tortoise can enjoy the bare earth to snooze on
