Horsfield - Timothy Hay

[Vixen218]

Hi,

Just wondering if Timothy Hay is safe for horsfield tortoises? Either as bedding, decoration or a food source?
My sister has a 9 year old tortoise that loves his hay with dandelions in it that she just sprinkles in his enclosure and he goes foraging for it.
My tortoise is about 1-2 years old I believe.

Thanks in advance

 

[Alex and the Redfoot]

Hi,

Just wondering if Timothy Hay is safe for horsfield tortoises? Either as bedding, decoration or a food source?
My sister has a 9 year old tortoise that loves his hay with dandelions in it that she just sprinkles in his enclosure and he goes foraging for it.
My tortoise is about 1-2 years old I believe.

Thanks in advance

Hello!
Using hay as bedding or on top of bedding is discouraged: it easily molds when wet and somewhat dusty when dried (causing eye irritations). I know that many tortoises actually enjoy hiding in dried grass, leaves or hay piles, but I would be cautious about keeping hay in the indoors enclosure.

For feeding it's not the best option as well: too stemmy. And Russian tortoises aren't really grass/hay eaters, especially small ones. I see no harm in adding some to his foods as an additional source of fiber but broadleaf greens should be the bulk of their diet. Herbal hay, orchard or bermuda grass hay are better. German brand Agrobs makes tortoise toppers and pellets called "Pre Alpine" - they are more suitable as a food source/amendment.