Sulcata Substrate Questions

[yarok]

Im currently using cypress mulch for substrate and was wondering if it would be harmful to my tort if he eats any of it? It also seems to get very dry. I started spraying the substrate and the tort daily but was wondering if I would be better off with a different substrate. I have also noticed that people put live plants in there enclosures. Is it possible to grow plants or maybe even grass in a glass tank with no sunlight using a mercury vapor bulb? I was bored one day (depressing winter) so I decided to grow grass in a pot in my kitchen and was wondering if it would grow in my tank or if i could feed some of it to my tort. Advice or interesting ideas would be much appreciated.

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[StudentoftheReptile]

That is some pretty dry cypress! Try mixing it with coconut coir or just plain top soil. Then find a way to cover that screen top to retain some humidity!

To answer your first question, I've used cypress with both of my tortoises and while the sulcata has occasionally nibbled at a few thin strands here and there, I believe he just spit them out, realizing they were not tasty. I would only worry if he ingested a large chunk, but honestly, its not a big concern of mine.

 

[steven]

I use coco coir, it holds moisture very well. I haven't had any problem with it at all. I also agree with the put a cover on your enclosure, it will help out.

 

[pryncesssc]

I use cypress for my turtles and it stays really moist . I rotate it around with a spatula every week to make sure the water is getting to all the pieces ...

 

[HtVic]

I am having the same question too
would mulch safe to hatchlings?

 

[yarok]

I started pouring water over my cypress mulch. Hope that helps.