Russian Tortoise leaf litter

[jenstew]

Hi - I'm wondering what type of tree leaves I can use as litter for my Russian Tortoises. So much conflicting information. We have a London Plane Tree (type of Sycamore) and non-fruit bearing Crabapple - are those leaves safe?

 

[wellington]

A quick Google and both should not be used. Most maple leaves are okay but high in sugar so if he eats them don't use. Mulberry leaves, hibiscus leaf, Rose of Sharon, any type of leaf/plant that is safe to eat can be used.
I used maple, mind never tried to eat it

 

[The_Four_Toed_Edward]

I have been thinking of posting a thread with almost the exact same title. People talk about leaf litter when it comes to turtles, but not so much with tortoises.

I have pothos leaf litter from the time I kept isopods, and this time of the year it is easy for me to get birch and maple leaves. My tortoise has eaten maple leaves when they are dry and crumbly, but overall I am not sure whether there would be any benefit to adding leaf litter in his indoor enclosure.

 

[Littleredfootbigredheart]

I have been thinking of posting a thread with almost the exact same title. People talk about leaf litter when it comes to turtles, but not so much with tortoises.

I have pothos leaf litter from the time I kept isopods, and this time of the year it is easy for me to get birch and maple leaves. My tortoise has eaten maple leaves when they are dry and crumbly, but overall I am not sure whether there would be any benefit to adding leaf litter in his indoor enclosure.

Personally I don’t think the potential benefits of leaf litter outweigh the possible risks of them trying to eat it from the substrate, but that’s just my take.
It’s a good question, I’d be interested hearing from those with more bioactive enclosures

 

[The_Four_Toed_Edward]

Personally I don’t think the potential benefits of leaf litter outweigh the possible risks of them trying to eat it from the substrate, but that’s just my take.
It’s a good question, I’d be interested hearing from those with more bioactive enclosures

I am mostly worried about fungi/mold issues, that would come with harvesting decomposing leaves from outside.

 

[jenstew]

I’m currently using organic dried magnolia leaves and fresh hibiscus. I don’t use a lot but the little ones like to hide under them and some of the bigger ones nibble. Just something interesting besides the more traditional substrates.