Whether you are landscaping an outdoor enclosure or setting up an indoor Russian tortoise enclosure, it’s important to choose a safe substrate. You’ll often hear that mulch is a bad substrate for tortoises, but there are different types of mulch.
Is Mulch Safe for Tortoises?
Yes and no. It really depends on the type of mulch.
Because mulch is a general term used for any material used in landscaping, some mulch is safe and some mulch is not safe for tortoises.
Garden mulch can range from rubber mulch, hardwood mulch, bark mulch, leaf mulch, glass mulch, lava rock, etc. Mulch is often chosen by why it’s needed, like a weed or pest control, soil conservation or for a decorative color.
Since there are different types of mulch, some will be toxic for tortoises, whereas other mulch for will be safe.
Safe Mulch for Russian Tortoise
Being that you aren’t gardening for any purpose other than keeping your tortoise safe, you drastically narrow down the list of safe mulches.
Orchard bark and cypress mulch are both safe and popular choices of mulch for tortoise bedding. Both will help maintain humidity for inside tortoise enclosure, as well as create a natural substrate for digging.
You can purchase plain cypress mulch and orchard bark (fir mulch) from your local garden store. However, for reptile-branded cypress mulch, trust Zoo Med Forest Bedding (100% cypress mulch) or Zoo Med Reptile Bark (orchard bark).
When soiled, you can “wash” orchard bark and cypress mulch. Just soak the substrate in a big bucket of water (pre-boiled if possible). Then let it dry. Bake the substrate in the oven to kill any parasites that may be living in the substrate.
Mulch to Avoid Using for Tortoises
Avoid using mulch for Russian tortoise enclosures that include additives, like fertilizers, pesticides, herbicides and dyes.
Do not use mulch made with cedar or pine. Both types of mulch can emit a toxic fume that can cause skin and eye irritation, as well as respiratory problems.
Avoid using cocoa shell mulch for tortoises. Cocoa mulch is made of the husk of cocoa beans. It contains concentrated amount of cocoa fats, theobromine and caffeine, which can be harmful.
For obvious health and safety reasons, avoid glass mulch, rubber mulch or color-dyed mulch as a tortoise bedding.
