Moss-covered rocks

[Banjos n Boxies]

I came across some moss-covered rocks on a hike the other day. They're perfect sized for anchoring my three-toed boxies' water bowls and I love the use of moss I've seen members' enclosures feature. It seems like a great way to retain humidity (much needed in the upper Midwest around this time of year) and I love the look.

However, my boxies are captive-bred pet store turtles I've had for 25+ years (I was in third grade when I got the oldest one). I'm worried they may not have robust enough immune systems for potential parasites, etc. that might lurk on the rocks. Is there anything I should do to help sterilize the rocks before putting them in the enclosure? What would folks recommend for preventing potential disease, etc. without killing the moss? Or am I being too cautious?

 

[SarahChelonoidis]

I don't think there is anyway to kill potential parasites without killing the moss. Best you can do is rinse it off.

 

[Banjos n Boxies]

I don't think there is anyway to kill potential parasites without killing the moss. Best you can do is rinse it off.

Kind of what I figured. I did, and then also scrubbed the underside (moss free) bits with watered down ammonia. I hope that's enough. I'm looking forwarded to giving these to the turtles.